Experienced batsman Faf du Plessis says SA must master the unfamiliar conditions and home captain Babar Azam when they play their first Test in Pakistan since 2007 in the opening match of a two-game series that starts in Karachi tomorrow.
The Proteas return to Pakistan for the first time since a militant attack on the Sri Lanka team bus in the city of Lahore in 2009 that killed six policemen and two civilians.
Both sides have a fresh look about them: the tourists introduced a number of new players for their 2-0 home series win over Sri Lanka this month, while Pakistan named nine uncapped players in their squad.
“I think both South Africa and Pakistan are probably similarly placed where they are in terms of the teams – quite a lot of inexperience and not a lot of Test caps,” Du Plessis told reporters. “We are expecting it to be a very, very tough ask. They are a very dangerous team in their home conditions.”
Pakistan will have Babar back after he missed the recent Tests in New Zealand with a fractured thumb.
“Having Babar is massive for them. He is up there with the top three batters in the world. His last two seasons, in all formats, have been nothing short of remarkable,” Du Plessis said.
SA admit uncertainty over what to expect from the conditions.
Pakistan has traditionally been more seamer friendly than other subcontinent countries, but early indications are that it might not be the case this time around.
“It’s about making sure you are looking at two or three ways of getting off strike,” Du Plessis said when discussing a trial by spin.
“You need to make sure you’ve got some plans to either get ones or have scoring options to get some boundaries.”
Babar has urged his side to take a positive approach and dictate the flow of the match.
“I want the team to play positive, aggressive and fearless cricket,” he said.
“We need to be good enough against top-quality sides if we want ourselves to be considered a top team and for that we need to win the series.”
The hosts have won only one of their previous seven Tests against SA in Pakistan, with the visitors claiming two victories to go with four draws.
The second Test will be played in Rawalpindi from February 4.
SA cricketers unsure what to expect in Test series
Babar's return 'massive' for Pakistan
Image: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images/Getty Images
Experienced batsman Faf du Plessis says SA must master the unfamiliar conditions and home captain Babar Azam when they play their first Test in Pakistan since 2007 in the opening match of a two-game series that starts in Karachi tomorrow.
The Proteas return to Pakistan for the first time since a militant attack on the Sri Lanka team bus in the city of Lahore in 2009 that killed six policemen and two civilians.
Both sides have a fresh look about them: the tourists introduced a number of new players for their 2-0 home series win over Sri Lanka this month, while Pakistan named nine uncapped players in their squad.
“I think both South Africa and Pakistan are probably similarly placed where they are in terms of the teams – quite a lot of inexperience and not a lot of Test caps,” Du Plessis told reporters. “We are expecting it to be a very, very tough ask. They are a very dangerous team in their home conditions.”
Pakistan will have Babar back after he missed the recent Tests in New Zealand with a fractured thumb.
“Having Babar is massive for them. He is up there with the top three batters in the world. His last two seasons, in all formats, have been nothing short of remarkable,” Du Plessis said.
SA admit uncertainty over what to expect from the conditions.
Pakistan has traditionally been more seamer friendly than other subcontinent countries, but early indications are that it might not be the case this time around.
“It’s about making sure you are looking at two or three ways of getting off strike,” Du Plessis said when discussing a trial by spin.
“You need to make sure you’ve got some plans to either get ones or have scoring options to get some boundaries.”
Babar has urged his side to take a positive approach and dictate the flow of the match.
“I want the team to play positive, aggressive and fearless cricket,” he said.
“We need to be good enough against top-quality sides if we want ourselves to be considered a top team and for that we need to win the series.”
The hosts have won only one of their previous seven Tests against SA in Pakistan, with the visitors claiming two victories to go with four draws.
The second Test will be played in Rawalpindi from February 4.
The Proteas enter the unknown in first test against Pakistan
Captain Root notches another ton as England battle trial by spin v Sri Lanka
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Related articles
Latest Videos