Markram ready for spin test as South Africa face Pakistan

Skipper Aiden Markram said South Africa were eager to embrace a trial by spin as they launch their World Test Championship (WTC) title defence against Pakistan in Lahore on Sunday.

Pakistan famously used patio heaters and industrial fans to produce dry, turning tracks in their 2-1 series win over England last year, with left-arm spinner Noman Ali and off-spinner Sajid Khan claiming 39 wickets between them. Similar conditions are expected at the Gaddafi Stadium and in the second Test in Rawalpindi.

"We expect the tracks to spin, of course," Markram said on Saturday.

"That's Pakistan's way of trying to win, and that's completely fair. For us, it's a great opportunity to get things right in these conditions, especially with a tour to India next."

Markram steps in for injured skipper Temba Bavuma, who led South Africa to the WTC title in June but misses the tour with a calf injury. The Proteas are also without senior spinner Keshav Maharaj for the first Test due to a groin strain.

"We'll miss Temba's leadership and Keshav's control," Markram admitted. "But it's a chance for our new spinners — Simon Harmer, Senuran Muthusamy and Prenelan Subrayen — to step up."

Pakistan captain Shan Masood called the series a valuable test for his side, who finished bottom in the previous WTC cycle. "It's a great chance to measure ourselves against the champions," said Masood. "If we do well, it will lift our confidence hugely."

Masood defended Pakistan's reliance on spin-friendly pitches, saying,

"Winning at home builds confidence for away tours like England next year."

Sajid Khan's availability remains subject to fitness after a viral infection, while veteran left-armer Asif Afridi, 38, could make a remarkable Test debut.