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New Delhi: Shaheen Shah Afridi is all set to make his long-awaited return to Test cricket as Pakistan prepare to face South Africa in the first of two Tests, starting October 12 in Lahore. The 25-year-old will lead the pace attack after almost 17 months away from red-ball cricket, adding much-needed experience to a bowling lineup aiming for balance on home soil.
Despite early talks of spin-friendly pitches and Pakistan including four spinners in their 16-member squad, the team management has opted for a more even mix of pace and spin. Shaheen will likely share the new ball with Khurrum Shahzad while left-arm spinner Noman Ali and off-spinner Sajid Khan are set to handle the spin duties.
Shaheen last featured in a Test match in May 2024 against England. Since December 2023, he has played just four Tests and was dropped midway through the England series and missing subsequent matches in South Africa and the home series against the West Indies. His return marks a crucial moment for Pakistan as the side have struggled to find consistency in their pace department during his absence.
Pakistan's last home Test outing against the West Indies in Multan ended in defeat after they fielded a spin-heavy attack featuring just one specialist pacer. His experience seems to have influenced their current approach with the management leaning toward a more balanced combination for the opening Test against the Proteas.
Although an official playing XI is yet to be announced, Pakistan are expected to line up with Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood (captain), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Khurrum Shahzad, Noman Ali, and Sajid Khan. The blend of experience and youth in this lineup reflects Pakistan’s intent to start the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle on a strong note.
This series also marks the beginning of the new WTC cycle for both sides. South Africa, fresh off their triumph in the previous WTC final against Australia at Lord’s, will be led by Aiden Markram in the absence of regular skipper Temba Bavuma. Markram’s squad includes familiar names like Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj and exciting youngsters Dewald Brevis and Tony de Zorzi.
With both teams entering a fresh chapter of Test cricket, Shaheen’s return adds an extra layer of intrigue to what promises to be a competitive series in Lahore.
