Pakistan likely to make one change for second South Africa Test: reports

CAPE TOWN: Pakistan team management is likely to exclude all-rounder Aamir Jamal from their Playing XI for the second Test against South Africa, scheduled to start here at Newlands on 3 January.

Pakistan suffered a two-wicket defeat in a thrilling first Test of the two-match series against South Africa at SuperSport Park.

Reports suggest that the team management is considering including left-arm fast bowler Mir Hamza in the lineup instead of Aamir Jamal.

During the first Test, Jamal recorded scores of 28 and 18 with the bat. With the ball, he took two wickets in the first innings, however, he bowled only nine overs across two innings.

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Although the pitch at Newlands typically offers favourable conditions for spin bowlers, it appears that Pakistan’s management is not considering the inclusion of any specialist spinner in their playing XI.

Noman Ali, a left-arm spinner who made a significant impact by claiming 20 wickets at an impressive average of 13.85 during two Test matches against England in October 2024, is expected to stay on the sidelines.

Instead, the team’s management is likely to place their trust in all-rounder Agha Salman, who will take on the role of the sole spinner.

Pakistan squad for Test series against South Africa

Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Haseebullah (wk), Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha

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