South Africa announce playing XI for Boxing Day Test vs Pakistan, named debutant

South Africa announced their playing XI for the Boxing Day Test vs Pakistan. Corbin Bosch is all set to make his debut in Tests.

In Short

• South Africa to host Boxing Day Test vs Pakistan
• Corbin Bosch will be making his debut in 1st Test
• The 2-match series will be crucial ahead of WTC final

South Africa has revealed their playing XI for the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan, starting December 26 in Centurion. Uncapped all-rounder Corbin Bosch will be getting his maiden Test cap, a decision influenced by the team’s injury concerns in the pace department. The two-match series holds significant importance as its outcomes will play a major role in determining the finalists of the 2023-25 ICC World Test Championship.

Corbin Bosch, son of former Test cricketer Tertius Bosch, has edged out fellow uncapped pacer Kwena Maphaka to secure his place in the XI. Bosch showcased his abilities in a recent match against the England Lions, delivering an impressive spell of 1/21 in five overs for the South African Invitational XI.

Corbin Bosch makes debut

The 30-year-old has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket, featuring in 34 first-class games and accumulating 1,295 runs at an average of 40.46. He has ten half-centuries to his name and has also contributed with the ball, making him a valuable all-round addition to the squad.

South Africa’s pace options have been severely impacted by injuries. Gerald Coetzee (groin), Nandre Burger (lower back stress fracture), Lizaad Williams (knee), and Lungi Ngidi (hip) have all been ruled out until early next year. Despite these setbacks, the Proteas had opted not to include a spinner in their XI, leaving senior spinner Keshav Maharaj out of the side.

Bosch would join forces with frontline pacers Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, and Dane Paterson to lead South Africa’s bowling attack.

The Proteas have retained the same batting lineup from their last Test series against Sri Lanka. The top seven includes Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma, David Bedingham, and Kyle Verreynne. This stable batting core will be expected to anchor the team’s performance in the series.

The series kicks off at Centurion on December 26, with the second Test scheduled for January 3. Both matches are pivotal in the ongoing WTC cycle, as South Africa and Pakistan aim to improve their standings and keep their hopes alive for a spot in the final.

South Africa's Playing XI for 1st Test against Pakistan: Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (captain), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Dane Paterson, and Corbin Bosch.

South Africa's Playing XI for 1st Test

Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (captain), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Dane Paterson, and Corbin Bosch.