Overview

• The two-Test series starts October 12 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, with the second Test scheduled for October 20 in Rawalpindi.
• Pakistan are expected to pick a balanced attack with two spinners and two pacers, with Shaheen Shah Afridi back in Tests and 38-year-old Asif Afridi likely to replace the ailing Sajid Khan.
• Aiden Markram captains South Africa in Bavuma’s absence, with frontline spinner Keshav Maharaj only due back for the second Test.
• South Africa prepared on Pretoria pitches engineered for exaggerated turn, with Senuran Muthusamy and Simon Harmer in contention for significant roles.
• Both teams completed extended training sessions in Lahore, and the PCB announced free entry for selected enclosures to boost attendance.