South African captain Graeme Smith said on Thursday that he wanted to square the two-Test series against Pakistan, leaving behind the defeat in the first Test earlier this week.
”I think in many ways the defeat in Lahore was a bit disappointing and we let ourselves down in lot of areas,” Smith told reporters ahead of the second Test, which starts on Friday.
But he added the defeat has given the South African side a goal.
South Africa’s top order batting line-up was rattled by speedster Shoaib Akhtar in the second innings of the first Test with four for 36.
But Akhtar will have to sit out the second Test after match referee Clive Lloyd slapped a ban on him of one Test and two one-day internationals for using abusive language against tail-ender Paul Adams on the first day of the first Test in Lahore.
His appeal was rejected on Wednesday.
Akhtar’s absence should relieve the South African batsmen.
”A lot of pressure came from Shoaib. He bowled really well and knocked out the top order all the time,” said the 22-year-old South African skipper.
At Lahore, South Africa posted 320 in their first innings, but Smith said that was not enough to pressure Pakistan, who notched 401.
”There’s five days of cricket ahead of us … we want to make sure we come through on top in the next five days,” Smith said.
Smith said the final line-up will be announced on Friday morning.
Left-arm spinner Robin Peterson might replace one the seamers — Makhaya Ntini or Andre Nel.
Meanwhile, Pakistan were facing the absence of a few key players other than Akhtar. His new ball partner, Mohammad Sami, was also ruled out from the second Test after suffering from influenza and a sore ankle. Yousuf Youhana, who led Pakistan to victory in Inzamam-ul-Haq’s absence, was advised to rest at least two weeks because of a hamstring injury.
”We have quite a few injury problems, but that’s part of the game,” said Inzamam, who declared himself 100% fit from his groin injury.
”Obviously we will miss both our fast bowlers, but I hope Shabbir [Ahmad] and [Abdul] Razzaq would fill the gap,” the Pakistan skipper said.
Despite leading 1-0 in the series, Inzamam said his team would go all out to double its lead.
”The boys are determined to do well in the second Test, too,” he said. — Sapa-AP