The Proteas lost the toss and will bowl first in the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan at Centurion.

Centurion is the setting for the Boxing Day Test between the Proteas and Pakistan. A feisty match is expected, with both sides’ pace attacks expected to be aided by the SuperSport Park wicket.

Both teams need to replace key figures in their side due to injuries to Vernon Philander and Mohammad Abbas. While the Proteas also need to replace the injured Lungi Ngidi who has been a revelation in the home side’s pace attack.

The Proteas selected Duanne Olivier as Ngidi’s replacement and the extra batsman has been trusted, with Temba Bavuma being declared fit to play,

Dale Steyn will be in the spotlight as he aims to break Shaun Pollock’s record as the highest wicket-taker in the Proteas’ history.

From a batter’s perspective, the Proteas will rely on homeboys Aiden Markram, Dean Elgar, Faf du Plessis and Theunis de Bruyn to use their insight to give themselves a foothold in the match. While Hashim Amla will be under observation as he aims to refind his form.

Proteas

1. Aiden Markram
2. Dean Elgar
3. Hashim Amla
4. Faf du Plessis
5. Theunis de Bruyn
6. Temba Bavuma
7. Quinton de Kock
8. Keshav Maharaj
9. Dale Steyn
10. Kagiso Rabada
11. Duanne Olivier

Pakistan:
1. Imam-ul-Haq
2. Fakhar Zaman
3. Shan Masood
4. Azhar Ali
5. Asad Shafiq
6. Babar Azam
7. Sarfraz Ahmed
8. Mohammad Amir
9. Yasir Shah
10. Hasan Ali
11. Shaheen Afridi

Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images