South Africa wins toss, elects to bat in 1st test v Pakistan

South Africa captain Quinton de Kock won toss and elected to bat Tuesday against Pakistan on a wicket devoid of grass in first test.

South Africa, playing its first test in Pakistan in more than 13 years, included two left-arm spinners - Keshav Maharaj and George Linde -- in hope that wicket will suit spinners.

Pakistan awarded test caps to opening batsman Imran Butt and 34-year-old left-arm spinner Nauman Ali. Experienced legspinner Yasir Shah is or spinner in Pakistan's playing XI.

South Africa pace bowler Kagiso Raba returned to red-ball cricket for first time in a year since playing England at Port Elizabeth.

Pakistan fast bowler Hasan Ali returned to five-day format after a two-year absence since his playing his last test against South Africa in Johannesburg.

Hasan, who is playing his 10th test match, has recovered from back injury. He took 43 wickets in nine domestic first-class matches this season while leing Central Punjab in Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.

Pakistan umpire Aleem Dar, who has officiated on-field in most international games (391), will be supervising his first test in Pakistan since making his debut in 2000.

Dar got his first opportunity at home after International Cricket Council allowed appointment of local match officials for international matches because of travel restrictions in place for COVID-19 pandemic.

Lineups:

Pakistan: Babar Azam (captain), Abid Ali, Imran Butt, Azhar Ali, Faw Alam, Faheem Ashraf, Mohamm Rizwan, Nauman Ali, Yasir Shah, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi.

South Africa: Quinton de Kock (captain), Aiden Markram, Dean Elgar, Faf du Plessis, Rassie van der Dussen, Temba Bavuma, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Raba, Anrich rtje, Lungi Ngidi

Umpires: Aleem Dar and Ahsan Raza, Pakistan.

TV umpire: Asif Yaqoob, Pakistan.

Match referee: Mohamm Javed Malik, Pakistan.

Im credits: @icc / Twitter