South Africa
Image Credit: Getty Images.

The South African team will embark on a historic tour of Pakistan, consisting of two Tests and three ODIs. South Africa’s brief visit of the sub-continent nation begins on the 26th of January with the first Test. Cricket South Africa has announced the squad for the two-Test rubber. It would be the first time since 2007 that the Proteas would be visiting Pakistan.

Quinton De Kock, who began his Test captaincy stint with the home series against Sri Lanka, will continue the role. Aiden Markram and Dean Elgar – both of who blossomed against Sri Lanka while opening the innings have also retained the spots. Keeping in mind the sub-continent tour, the tourists have opted for three specialist spinners in the squad that include Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi, and George Linde.

South Africa Announce Their 21-Member Squad For The Two-Match Test Series In Pakistan
Aiden Markram and Dean Elgar. (Credits: Twitter)

Sarel Erwee, who is a batting all-rounder and bowls off-break, has also made the cut. Pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada’s return to fitness could give the visitors some happy headaches as they have to contemplate who to keep out of the game. Despite being fit for the second Test against Sri Lanka, South Africa omitted Rabada and stuck with Anrich Nortje, Lutho Sipamla, and Lungi Ngidi as their frontline pacemen who were successful in sweeping the two-match series.

Read More  Babar Azam goes to war with Pakistan Cricket Board!! Skips the Army Camp in Kakul

South Africa had a successful tour of Pakistan back in 2007 when their captain was Graeme Smith, who is presently the director of South African cricket. The Proteas won the five-match ODI rubber and the two-game Test leg too. Pakistan would be keen for some reversal of fortunes as they return home from a disastrous tour of New Zealand. They lost the T20 and the Test series convincingly. Their primary concern would be their captain Babar Azam, who could not play any match in New Zealand due to a finger injury.

South Africa’s 21-man squad for the two-match Test series in Pakistan:

Kagiso Rabada | Quinton de Kock | Faf du Plessis
Kagiso Rabada with Quinton de Kock. (Photo by Isuru Sameera Peris/Gallo Images)

 

 

Also Read: It’s A Good Sign For Team India: Ravindra Jadeja Lauds Shubman Gill