Karachi, Jan 22: Pakistan team left on the South Africa tour with captain Misbahul Haq terming the Test series against the number one team as a litmus test for his side.
The Test squad left from Lahore on Sunday to play the three-match series that starts in Johannesburg on February 1. They will begin their tour with a four-day warm-up fixture against South African Invitation XI.
Pakistan, under Misbah, have shown significant progress since the troubled tour of England in 2010 — their 3-0 whitewash last year against the then top team became one of the highlights of 2012.
“This series is a real test,” said Misbah, ahead of the team's departure. “It is after a long time that we are going to play such a high-profile series. Although we have been performing well in Tests, I believe this series will define our standard as a Test team.”
Misbah reiterated that the team would not depend on a single department and collective efforts will be needed for good results.
“All the players will have to take their performances one level up. Spinners, fast-bowlers, fielders and batsmen — everyone needs to focus.”
Even though it is the fast-bowlers who would be integral on the bouncy tracks in South Africa, the captain said ace spinner Saeed Ajmal will also have an important role in the series.
“Being our strike bowler, Ajmal will have an important role. Spinners do get wickets in South Africa, plus the tracks also get turn on the last two days there.”
Meanwhile, Pakistan manager Naveed Akram Cheema said the team has all the ingredients to shock South Africa on their home soil.
“The team has gelled well and is determined to do well,” said Cheema. “We have the ability to perform in all departments.”
