With no Abbas to help, Pakistan aims to undo past wrongs against South Africa

Pakistan would begin its campaign in South Africa today (Wednesday) at Centurion, as Sarfraz’s men would be eyeing to mend all the wrongs committed in last Test series against New Zealand, which they lost 2-1.

Both teams possess some of the world's best bowling artillery with Dale Steyn aiming for greatness against Pakistan. "These honours are great things to achieve and I'll be highly honoured. But when I do, I'll get back to the end of my mark and try and take another one. That's the plan," said Steyn, quoted cricbuzz. The fast bowler is just one wicket away from becoming highest wicket-taker in Tests for South Africa.

Whereas, Yasir Shah will be looking to enhance his position as the premier leg spinner in world cricket. "He took 200 wickets in 33 Tests and we know South Africa haven't played a top-quality legspinner in three years. So we have an advantage, we have Yasir Shah, and hopefully they will struggle against him," said Sarfraz Ahmed.

However, the non-availability of fast bowler Mohammad Abbas due to a shoulder injury would definitely dent the otherwise potent bowling line. Meanwhile, the lack of runs on the board is the major concern for Pakistan.

From Pakistan, Shan Masood will sit out as Imam-ul-Haq and Fakhar Zaman, who scored 94 and 66 on his Test debut, will open.

Teams:

South Africa: Dean Elgar, Aiden Markram, Theunis de Bruyn, Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis(c), Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock(w), Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Dale Steyn, Duanne Olivier, Zubayr Hamza, Dane Paterson

Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Azhar Ali, Haris Sohail, Babar Azam, Asad Shafiq, Sarfraz Ahmed(w/c), Hasan Ali, Yasir Shah, Mohammad Amir, Shaheen Afridi, Faheem Ashraf, Shan Masood, Mohammad Rizwan