SA vs PAK 2024: South Africa announce playing XI for Boxing Day Test , Corbin Bosch to make debut

South African all-rounder, Corbin Bosch, will be making his Test debut aged 30. Cricket South Africa announced their playing XI for the first Test against Pakistan. The venue for the first Test is slated to be SuperSport Park in Centurion. 

Bosch recently made his international debut against the same opponent in the third and final ODI of the 50-over series. He was impressive with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 44-ball 40-run knock. The integration of Bosch to the setup only reinforces the all-pace attack of Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, and Dane Paterson. Skipper, Temba Bavuma, lays solid emphasis on Bosch's pace, strength, and recent track record. His selection comes amidst an extensive list of injured players, including the likes of Anrich Nortje, Gerald Coetzee, Lungi Ngidi, Nandre Burger, Wiaan Mulder, Ottneil Baartman, and Lizaad Williams.   

At Tuesday's press conference, the red-ball skipper highlighted the vital significance of the all-rounder's debut at his provincial home ground. He was effusive of the additional qualities which Bosch brought along with him in addition to his prowess with the bat. 

The call to go ahead with an all-seam attack means left-arm spinner, Keshav Maharaj, will not feature. Bavuma was of the opinion that it aligned with their usual strategy at Centurion, where the ground and the conditions are quite conducive for pace bowlers.

South Africa are currently leading the charts of the ongoing edition of the World Test Championship standings after five victories on the trot. They would be anticipated to be keen on pursuing a victory to secure their place in next June's final to be played at Lord's. Bavuma acknowledged the high expectations but emphasised their aim for a whitewash, focusing on executing fundamentals correctly.

South Africa's squad for first Test against Pakistan

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