Mohammad Abbas ruled out of Boxing Day Test against South Africa

The right-arm seam bowler missed the final Test of Pakistan’s series against New Zealand with a shoulder injury. At first it was feared that that blow might rule him out of the entirety of Pakistan’s series against South Africa, but it is hoped he will return for the second Test, along with leg-spinner Shadab Khan, who has a groin injury.

"Abbas is not fit for the first Test, hopefully he will be fit for the second Test," said Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed. "Shadab Khan, too, will be back for the second Test, but Fakhar Zaman is fit."

Abbas will be sorely missed by Pakistan. He has enjoyed a superb start to his Test career, taking 61 wickets in 12 Tests at an average of 16.62. Pakistan’s other specialist seamers in the squad are Mohammad Amir, Hasan Ali, and Shaheen Afridi, while Faheem Ashraf provides an all-round option.