CENTURION: Pakistan and South Africa will take on each other, amidst health issues on both sides, in the first of the three-match Test series at SuperSport Park in Centurion today.
The green shirts are trying to recover from a recent blow against New Zealand in a recently held Test series in the United Arab Emirates. Men in green, however, face problems with their bowling attack as their quick Muhammad Abbas along with spinner Shadab Khan are ruled out of the first Test owing to critical injuries.
In the absence of Abbas-Shadab duo, right-arm fast Hasan Ali, seasoned Muhammad Amir and young gun Shaheen Afridi will be holding the responsibility.
Reportedly, batsman Shan Masood will fill in the possible absence of Haris Sohail who is suffering a knee injury and is expected to be given rest in the first game.
On the other hand, proteas will be looking to speed gun Dale Steyn who only needs one more wicket become leading South African wicket-taker. He currently shares the record with former skipper Shaun Pollock who took 421 wickets until his retirement in 2008.
Meanwhile, Proteas are also suffering from injuring problems as their all-rounder Vernon Philander and fast bowler Lungi Ngidi are excluded from the playing eleven owing to health issues.
The match between South Africa and Pakistan will start at 1 pm.
from Pakistan Today
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