Pakistan likely to make one change for second Test

CAPE TOWN: The second and final Test of the two-match series between Pakistan and South Africa is scheduled to begin on Friday (today) at Newlands.

Following a narrow two-wicket defeat in the first Test at SuperSport Park, Centurion, Pakistan are expected to make one change to their playing XI. Left-arm fast bowler Mir Hamza is likely to replace right-arm pacer Aamer Jamal in the squad.

Jamal, hailing from Mianwali, made a valuable contribution in the first innings of the Centurion Test, claiming the wickets of South African captain Temba Bavuma and fast bowler Kagiso Rabada.

However, he faced criticism for bowling only one over in the second innings, which led to reports suggesting that the team management might opt to bring in Hamza for the second Test.

Despite the pitch at Newlands being favourable for spinners, it is unlikely that Pakistan will include any spinner in their playing XI. Left-arm spinner Nauman Ali, who impressed with 20 wickets at an average of 13.85 in two Tests against England in October 2024, is expected to miss out.

The team management will instead rely on all-rounder Agha Salman as the spinner. He has taken 16 wickets at an average of 58.75 in 18 Test matches. It is pertinent to mention that South Africa became the first team to qualify for the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 final following their win against Pakistan in the first Test.

Aqib recommends separate Test and white-ball teams

Interim head coach of the Pakistan cricket team, Aqib Javed, has proposed the need to separate Pakistan’s Test and white-ball teams, citing player workload management and performance optimisation as key reasons.

Speaking during a recent podcast hosted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Aqib was joined by white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan and red-ball captain Shan Masood to discuss the team’s performance and strategic direction. Aqib suggested that Pakistan needs to separate its Test and white-ball teams.

Aqib emphasised the need to expand the player pool and rotate players to prevent burnout. He also highlighted the importance of separating the Test and white-ball teams to manage the workload of players.

Aqib expressed confidence in the team’s ability to perform well in the upcoming Champions Trophy, which will be held in Pakistan. “By doing this we would be able to manage player workload and ensure optimal performance in both formats. There is also a need to rotate players to prevent burnout and injuries. “The Pakistan team is aiming to build on recent successes and perform well in upcoming tournaments, particularly the Champions Trophy.”