1st Test: Hafeez takes 4 to dismantle South Africa

Pakistan part-timers ruin Smith’s historic day as hosts fold for 253.

JOHANNESBURG:

Two part-time bowlers spoiled Graeme Smith’s big day as South Africa were bowled out for 253 on the first day of the first Test against Pakistan at the Wanderers Stadium.

South Africa were dismissed after Smith, celebrating 100 Tests as captain and his 32nd birthday, won the toss and decided to bat in what were always likely to be challenging conditions on a pitch with pace and bounce.

Pakistan survived two overs at the end of the day, finishing on six for no wicket.

Younus dismissed Hashim Amla, while off-spinner Hafeez  took four for 16 after only being introduced in the 71st over.

Hafeez, who had taken 29 wickets in 29 Tests before yesterday, had AB de Villiers caught behind off his first ball. He struck again four balls later when Robin Peterson padded up and was bowled by a straight delivery.

He then had Dean Elgar caught behind and wrapped up the innings by bowling Morne Morkel. The other four wickets fell in more conventional fashion, with opening bowlers Umar Gul and Junaid Khan taking two each.

South Africa’s last five wickets fell for 21 runs.

“It was not the easiest pitch to score on,” said South African batsman Faf du Plessis. “There was movement for the seam bowlers and the ball was holding up a bit. For a day one pitch there was a lot happening out there. Looking at the cracks on the pitch there are good signs for us.”

Hafeez gave credit to the other bowlers who he said had kept the pressure on the South African batsmen.

“It was a team effort. We showed good discipline with the ball,” he said.

Of the decision for him to bowl with the second new ball, Hafeez pointed out that he had often bowled with the new ball in one-day matches and occasionally in Test matches.

“There were some left-handers around so we decided to try a few balls and see what happened.”

Earlier Smith and Alviro Petersen had to survive some accurate, hostile bowling from Junaid and Gul. Smith and Petersen saw off the initial threat but a switch of ends brought the wickets of both openers.

Jacques Kallis hit 50 in a third wicket stand of 79 with Amla before he mistimed a pull against Gul and fell to a superb diving catch by Asad Shafiq. Amla slashed hard at Younus’ third ball and Azhar Ali took a blinding catch at gully.

De Villiers and du Plessis put on 64 for the fifth wicket before being dismissed by Hafeez and Junaid respectively.

Hafeez then made superb use of the new ball, while Pakistan were helped by a mix-up which led to the run-out of Vernon Philander. 

Published in The Express Tribune, February 2^nd, 2013.