Pakistan batting could surprise SA, says Misbah

FAKIR SYED IQTIDARUDDIN

KARACHI: Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has said that the team could do well against South Africa if the batsmen perform well in the Test series, the media reported on Sunday.

Pakistani batsmen may face difficulties due to unfamiliar conditions, but they will have to adjust very quickly to the extra bounce available to the bowlers in South Africa.

However, talking to the media just before the team’s departure today, he said South Africa has some good bowlers, adding, the morale of the team is high.

About the Pakistan bowling he said Saeed Ajmal can play a pivotal role in the Test series.

Speaking further, he said, this series is a test, adding, the team is looking to perform well against South Africa.

Pinning his hopes on younger players he said, they will perform well in the series.

This tour has come Pakistan's way after a long time, he said.

The Pakistan team leaves for South Africa today to begin a three-Test series starting in Johannesburg on February 1.

Pakistan are six down out of nine Tests played in South Africa, and the onus is on more experienced batsmen like Misbah-ul-Haq, Younis Khan and Mohammad Hafeez, to put up the bulk of runs on the scoreboard.

The Proteas are at the top of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Test team rankings after winning consecutive series in Australia and England with an unbeaten trail since 2006.

With that said, Pakistan team is one of the best Test sides in the world and if the batsmen put some big scores up on the scoreboard the green shirts can very well give South Africa a run for their money. 

Squad 

Misbah-ul-Haq (c), Mohammad Hafeez, Azhar Ali, Nasir Janshed, Asad Shafiq, Younis Khan, Mohammad Irfan, Sarfraz Ahmed, Umar Gul, Junaid Khan, Ehsan Adil, Saeed Ajmal, Abdur Rehman, Haris Sohail, Faisal Iqbal, Taufiq Umar