Centurion, Dec 25 (Reporter) Babar Azam's return to the Test XI and the selection of seam-bowling allrounder Aamer Jamal take centre stage as Pakistan prepare for the Boxing Day Test against South Africa at Centurion from tomorrow. Babar, who was dropped for the final two Tests of the England series at home, is slated to bat at No. 3, with captain Shan Masood stepping up to open alongside Saim Ayub. The all-pace bowling attack also sees significant comebacks. Mohammad Abbas, who last played a Test over three years ago, and Khurram Shahzad, returning from a recurring rib injury, add experience and depth to a lineup that already features Naseem Shah and Aamer Jamal. Both Abbas and Shahzad are on the comeback trail after long absences, with Abbas eager to rediscover the form that once made him a mainstay in Pakistan’s Test side. Jamal, the sole bowler from Pakistan's last Test appearance to retain his place, has impressed as a versatile allrounder. Captain Shan Masood highlighted Jamal’s adaptability, saying, "He’s effective with reverse swing, adept at enforcing with pace, and skilful with the new ball. His batting contributions also give us balance." Pakistan have opted against including a specialist spinner, relying on part-time options Salman Agha and Saud Shakeel to fill the role if required. The Centurion pitch is expected to heavily favour seamers, and with rain in the forecast, the all-pace strategy is aimed at maximising conditions. Shafique, meanwhile, has been dropped following a prolonged loss of form. Averaging just over 15 in 12 Test innings in 2024, Shafique’s struggles culminated in three consecutive ducks during the recent ODI series. Kamran Ghulam keeps his spot in the middle order. South Africa, who announced their XI a day earlier, have also gone with a pace-heavy lineup, including allrounder Corbin Bosch at No. 9. Both teams remain in the hunt for a World Test Championship final berth, making this Test critical for their campaigns. Pakistan XI: Shan Masood (capt), Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel (vice-capt), Salman Agha, Aamer Jamal, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas...////...