After a disappointing end to a well started home series for the Proteas against the Black caps, they face a much more stiff challenge in the form of Pakistan.
The tour kicks off tomorrow, with the first test match, at the Wanderers, Johannesburg.
Sub-continental teams have always struggled to cope up with the lively pitches in South Africa, and the same challenge is in front of Pakistan, to somehow manage the conditions well.
The series result is more likely to be based on Pakistan batting performance. If the Pakistani batsmen do step up and perform well, this series is going to be a complete cracker.
Taufeeq Umar has been injured, and Imran Farhat has been named his replacement. Nasir Jamshed, has also been a welcome addition to the squad, provided Umar’s injury.
Saeed Ajmal, Umar Gul, and Junaid Khan are there to perform the bowling duties, but Mohammed Irfan will be the most suprising element of Pakistan attack, with his height, he is likely to succeed in African conditions.
The Pakistan Xi for tomorrow’s game will comprise of similar faces that played the previous test match, with the inclusion of Jamshed and Irfan.
On the opposite side, the Proteas have settled quickly, and are showing signs to become an unbeatable force in the longest format. All their first choice men are fit, and no changes are expected to include any second choice player.
Vernon Philander is fit and running, and he will make the playing XI tomorrow. Robin Peterson or a fourth fast bowler, are likely to fight for a place, as the pitch at the Wanderers is tailor-made for fast bowling.
The weather is expected to be mostly clear, with some showers in the afternoon. The pitch will be a paradise for the fast bowlers. The team whose batsmen can put up resistance is likely to succeed tomorrow.
All in all, the Proteas start as strong favorites for the series, but one can never count Pakistan out.