3 Positives for Pakistan from the South Africa Test series

#2 Shan Masood and Babar Azam's command

South Africa v Pakistan - Second Test

Shan Masood's inclusion in the squad received criticism from experts and fans alike. The issue being, he did nothing extraordinary when he played for Pakistan in the past despite having a good FC average. In fact, his technique was being questioned by many. Similarly, Babar Azam, who had a lone century in Tests, was deemed to be just an ODI and T20 player.

Both proved their critics wrong and played good individual innings in the series. Shan Masood rectified his technique in the domestic matches and worked with coaches to come back strong. He was probably the only player who took the short balls from South African pacers on and played beautifully.

On the other hand, Babar Azam played calmly and produced boundaries against the strong bowling attack comprising of Dale Steyn, Kagiso Rabada and Vernon Philander. Commentator Mark Nicholas, even compared him with two of the game's greats - AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli. He, surely, showed why he's considered Pakistan's future.