Media watch: Pakistan take on the Proteas

The cricket-world is alive with predictions about expected performances from South Africa and Pakistan.

ABU DABHI: After a scandal-marred tour of England, the boys in green prepare to battle it out with South Africa today (Tuesday) at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The cricket-world is alive with predictions about expected performances and questions about the last-minute squad change (Younis Khan, Wahab Riaz and Shahzaib Hasan have now been included by the selectors).

Here is the cricket buzz:

A new beginning for Pakistan cricket?

They are still under the pump as they square up for an intense T20, ODI and Test match series against South Africa in UAE. The three players accused of spot fixing the fourth and final Test against England at Lords are yet to be cleared and even in UAE at least one match is set to be overshadowed by the controversy.

That match would be the second ODI that is slated to take place on the 31^st of October in Abu Dhabi, on the same day two of the accused players Salman Butt and Mohammad Amir would be told of the findings of Mr. Michael Beowulf, who would be giving his verdict on the last day of the two day hearing in the ICC headquarters at Dubai. – Michelle Beckett at bettor.com

Pakistan still the spin kings

There’s something almost breathtaking about Pakistan’s phlegmatic approach to their topsy-turvy cricketing existence. Essentially, it’s about handling life in the fast lane. Sometimes you get to where you want to go very quickly; sometimes you’re road kill. - Patrick Compton for iol.co.za

Pakistan: a dangerous team to play

Smith, playing strictly as an opener in the first two games with Johan Botha now at the helm in 20-over cricket, said: "They're a dangerous team to play. They have a lot of talented players, good fast bowlers and good spinners, so we're going to have to play our best cricket to do well on this tour."  - United Kingdom Press Association

Pakistan has the firepower

Under the leadership of Johan Botha the South Africans will be aiming to continue the great form they showed against Zimbabwe. Although the former ICC World Twenty20 champions Pakistan will no doubt prove a tougher challenge for the Proteas, there is no doubt they have the firepower to over turn any team in world cricket. - Cricket World

No Butts about it: Pakistan is a disgrace

Butt is an idiot and ought to have been sacked after accusing England of throwing a game. That he apparently had not a whiff of evidence did not appear to bother him, or his High Commissioner. Cricket deserves better of Pakistan, a nation it is bending over backwards to help.

Pakistan deserves better from its players. – Peter Roebuck writes for Sydney Morning Herald.