South Africa coach Mark Boucher feels that the Pakistan tour, especially the two Tests on the tour is going to be a litmus test for the Proteas batsmen. He believes that Pakistan bowlers could utilize the home condition better.
"Pakistan bowlers will have home advantage, so this series will be a test for our batsmen, but once they are successful in occupying the crease, they will be able to score freely," Boucher said.
However, he also feels that coming on the back of the Sri Lanka series, where the South African batters were in full flow could act as a morale booster, and hence, more than his bowlers he trusts his batsmen to deliver.
"The wickets here in Pakistan are batting friendly, and we are relying on our batsmen to score runs. Their confidence will be high after scoring runs against Sri Lanka. Our fast bowlers will have to work very hard to get wickets," said the former South Africa wicket-keeper.
Saying that Pakistan is a dangerous side at home, Boucher, 44 believes that the series will be a crackerjack his team ‘will have to come up with a proper strategy’ to beat Pakistanis at their own backyard.
On the other hand, opposition coach Misbah-UI-Haq feels that even though nine new players have been drafted into the 20 men Pakistani squad, his team is still more than capable enough to beat the touring party.
"The series against South Africa is an important one, and I am sure the players selected in the squad have the potential and hunger to give best results in the series," Misbah said.
The first Test begins on 26th January at the National Stadium in Karachi, while the three-match T20 series will start from 11th February in Lahore. This is the first tour by South Africa to Pakistan in 14 years. In the last series in 2006-07, the guests won it 1-0.
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