The South African cricket team will start the defence of its ICC World Test Championship title without Captain Temba Bavuma.
Bavuma has been ruled out of the upcoming all-format tour to Pakistan as he continues his recovery from a calf strain sustained during the recent tour of England.
Aiden Markram will lead the side in his absence. Titans spinner Simon Harmer has earned a recall to the test side for the first time since March 2023, while Keshav Maharaj has been named for the second Test only as he completes the final stages of rehabilitation from a left groin strain.
