PAK opener fit for Boxing Day Test vs SA

Pakistani opening batsman Fakhar Zaman has been declared fit for the Boxing Day Test against South Africa and could well be a part of the playing XI. However, the team will miss Mohammad Abbas and Shadab Khn who are still to recover from their respective injuries.

Zaman to return to the team 

The left-hand opening batsman had a sensational start to his international career as he smashed a hundred in the Champions Trophy finals against India.

Most runs for Pak in 2018
In #Odis : #Fakhar_Zaman Runs 908 Average 62.5. SR 96
In #T20is : #Fakhar Runs 568 . Average 35.5 SR 148
In #Test: #Harris_Sohail : Runs 550 Average 36.5 100s 2
In #T20 #Kamran_Akmal : Runs 425 Average 38 SR 153
Overall #Zaman Runs 1611 pic.twitter.com/w1P4WaeDlu

— TNN Media (@ProCricketLive) December 23, 2018

Zaman then enjoyed success in the red-ball format too. He scored two gritty half-centuries in his debut Test against Australia but since then had to sit out courtesy of a knee injury.

In Zaman’s absence, Pakistan lost the three match Test series against New Zealand 2-1 and hence Zaman’s return will be a boost for Sarfaraz and Co.

Shadab and Abbas to miss out

Hailed by many as Pakistan’s next bowling superstar, Mohammad Abbas will miss the Boxing Day Test. He is yet to recover from the shoulder injury he picked up before the third Test against New Zealand.

On the other hand, leg-spinner Shadab Khan too won’t be available for the selection as he is still suffering from groin injury.

Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed said that Abbas is not fit for the first Test, and hopefully, he will be fit for the second Test. He also noted that Shadab Khan, too, will be back for the second Test, but Fakhar Zaman is fit.

Fakhar Zaman is fit for the 1st Test
Mohammad Abbas will not be risked for the 1st Test
Shadab Khan is not fit for the 1st Test but will be ready for the 2nd Test#Cricket #SAvPAK

— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) December 23, 2018

South Africa boosted by return of Steyn and Amla 

#Proteas fast bowler #DaleSteyn looks ahead to the #BoxingDayTest #SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/cj4xvULlzT

— Mahlatse Mphahlele (@BraMahlatse) December 24, 2018

Meanwhile, the Proteas will be fielding a strong unit against Pakistan in the first Test which begins from December 26th.

Also read: Blow to Hurricanes: ENG pacer to miss Big Bash 

Pace bowler Dale Steyn will be back in action and his inclusion enhances the pace bowling department which consists of Kagiso Rabada and Dane Paterson.

In the batting department, the return of Hashim Amla will help the hosts to fill the void left by AB de Villers’ retirement.