CENTURION: Pakistan will head into the first Test against South Africa with seamer Mohammad Abbas and leg-spinner Shadab Khan, according to the touring team management.

After assessing both unfit bowlers, the team management has agreed that the two are still not fit for the first Test that begins on Wednesday here at the SuperSport Paek.

Both Shadab and Abbas have made great progress recently and are improving every day. However, they will continue with their current Rehabilitation Program as well as their Return to Play Program, according to media release issued by the Pakistan Cricket Board on Monday.

If all goes according to plan, the team management is positive that both will be available for selection for the second Test at Newlands in Cape Town that begins on Jan 3, PCB added.

Published in Dawn, December 25th, 2018