Pakistan go into their second Test against South Africa at the Newlands, hoping to bounce back after a 211-run defeat in the 1st. PHOTO: AFP
KARACHI:
After facing annihilation in Johannesburg, Pakistan go up against South Africa today in the second Test at Newlands in Cape Town
Newlands has been a favoured hunting ground for the hosts over the years, making the challenge of a comeback for the injury-withered visitors even tougher.
Captain Misbahul Haq’s team is hoping to bounce back after the 211-run defeat at the Wanderers, where it was bowled out for just 49 in the first-innings, their lowest score in Tests. It’s not only the Johannesburg nightmare and the series of injuries that have made Pakistan the dark horses for the battle at Newlands — South Africa’s superior record on the venue has weakened the case for the visitors, who are aiming to level the series.
The hosts have won 20 out of 25 Tests at Newlands since their return to international cricket in 1991. They have been invulnerable at the ground in the last five years, winning seven of the nine Tests.
Dale Steyn, who was Pakistan’s nemesis during the first Test, has also enjoyed bowling at the venue, taking 53 wickets from ten matches.
Newlands may favour struggling Pakistan
However, the relatively hot weather is expected to favour Pakistan’s batting and spin attack to give the visitors a feel of home-like conditions.
For Misbah, the match remains a challenge for his batsmen.
“We have to be cautious against their pacers,” said the Pakistan captain. “We’ll have to avoid the deliveries which will move outside the off-stump. This is what we have observed from the Johannesburg defeat.”
According to a team official, coach Dav Whatmore has used footages of South Arica’s recent matches at the venue to help Pakistan prepare for the Test.
“Everyone is downplaying our potential, but for the players — each one of them is looking for a comeback.”
Junaid out of second Test
After injuries to opener Taufeeq Umar and Haris Sohail, fast-bowler Junaid Khan, who was injured during Pakistan’s two-day tour match against Emerging Cape Town Cobras, has been ruled out for the second Test.
The official said although it was a blow, the team has options in fast-bowler Mohammad Irfan and spinner Abdul Rehman.
“It’s not finalised yet whether Irfan will be making his Test debut,” said the official. “The final assessment of the pitch is yet to be made. The conditions here are different from Johannesburg due to the weather. Rehman is an option if we find support for spinners.”
Abdul Razzaq
“South Africa tours have always been tough for us. The players should look to play positive cricket against them as that is the only way the team can make a comeback in the series. It is not impossible.”
Wasim Akram
“The batsmen should aim for a long stay at the wicket. Also, injuries are a part of the tour especially in Australia, England and South Africa and the team will have to go with a positive frame of mind.”
Published in The Express Tribune, February 14th, 2013.
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Australians were all out for 47 and New Zealand for 45. Both at the hands of South African bowlers with the past few months. On a lighter note, Pakistan outscored the Aussies by 2 and the Kiwis by 4 runs. I am hopeful that we will bat much better during this test and will put up some good fight. If we had Amir and Asif in our team we could have gotten SA out for less than 100 as well. But those two are rightfully out of our team and we have second string bowlers leading our attack. Although I am not hoping for it but this test might be over in 3 to 4 days as well.