Both teams enter something of the unknown today as it is the very first Test to be played at the venue.
Pakistan have been rocked recently by the decision of wicketkeeper Zulqarnain Haider to head to the United Kingdom in a bid to claim political asylum.
The hosts also have a new captain, in the form of Misbah-ul-Haq, while Adnan Akmal will make his test debut behind the stumps.
Opening batsman Taufeeq Umar makes a return to international cricket but Pakistan’s efforts will not be helped by the absence of senior batsman Mohammad Yousuf who is injured. He is replaced by Azhar Ali.
South Africa, who have opted to include two spinners, have a number of new faces in their team after the one-day portion of the tour.
Batsmen Alviro Petersen and Ashwell Prince, wicketkeeper Mark Boucher and left-arm spinner Paul Harris all make a return to the international stage.
Teams:
Taufeeq Umar, Mohammad Hafeez, Younis Khan, Azhar Ali, Misbah-ul-Haq (captain), Umar Akmal, Adnan Akmal (wk), Abdur Rehman, Wahab Riaz, Umar Gul, Saeed Ajmal
South Africa:
Graeme Smith (captain), Alviro Petersen, Jacques Kallis, Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers, Ashwell Prince, Mark Boucher (wk), Johan Botha, Paul Harris, Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel