Fast bowler Mohammad Abbas is fit and available for the second Test between Pakistan and South Africa starting January 3 in Johannesburg.
Abbas, who had been ruled out of the first Test with a shoulder injury he developed in the second Test against New Zealand, will be part of the playing XI for the second Test, according to reports.
Wicket-keeper batsman Mohammad Rizwan is also expected to be included in the team for the next match as a middle-order batsman.
According to reports, Rizwan may replace Asad Shafiq who scored a total of 13 runs in both the innings at Centurion.
Moreover, Haris Sohail who missed the first Test with a knee injury is also expected to make a comeback into the team provided he passes the fitness team.
The Proteas have a 1-0 lead in the three-match Test series after they cruised to a six-wicket victory over Pakistan at Centurion.
The third Test between Pakistan and South Africa will be played on January 11 in Johannesburg.
3RD IN ICC RANKINGS:
Meanwhile, Abbas has soared into the top three of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Test bowler rankings, whereas veteran right-handed batsman Azhar Ali secured tenth place in the ICC Test batting rankings.
New Zealand moved up to number third, pushing South Africa to fourth.
India skipper Virat Kohli extended his lead at the top of the ICC Test rankings following a 25th Test ton in the second Test against Australia at Perth.
Pakistani leg spinner Yasir Shah has secured 10th place in Test bowling rankings. South African Kagiso Rabada is at the top of the bowling list.
In the team rankings, Pakistan struggles at 7th position, whereas India has clinched first place. Moreover, England has grabbed second position in the new ICC rankings.
