South Africa spirits lifted
Shaun Pollock looks set for a Test return © Getty Images
South Africa have been boosted by a first Test series win in the subcontinent in seven years ahead of the one-day series against Pakistan, which gets under way in Lahore on Thursday.
A 1-0 win in the recent two-match Test series against Pakistan has lifted spirits among Mickey Arthur’s troops, and the Proteas coach is confident his side can maintain their impressive form in the shorter form of the game.
"Planning is going to be key in this series as we have a tough task ahead of us," Arthur said.
"If we execute our plans like we did in the Tests, we could win this series as well.
"I am confident because we have a good mix of experience and youth and most of the guys are in good shape.
"The pitches will be the same so we should carry the momentum of the Tests forward."
Shaun Pollock looks set for a return to the Proteas side for the first match after being dropped for the Test series.
Pollock, who this week agreed to sign for the Indian Premier League along with Pakistan’s Shoaib Akhtar and New Zealand’s Jacob Oram, has been given a vote of confidence by Arthur in the run-up to the first one-dayer.
"He is an accomplished performer and we are backing him completely," Arthur said.
Vernon Philander is a doubt for the first game © Getty Images
“We know what we have got in Shaun. He is the leading ODI bowler in world cricket at the moment and he will be ready when it counts.”
All-rounder Vernon Philander is a doubt for opening game at Gaddafi Stadium with a hamstring injury and missed Tuesday’s practice match against a PCB XI.
“Vernon has a hamstring strain that covers a large area of the muscle,” team physiotherapist Shane Jabaar said.
“We may not be able to start rehab before Wednesday which would make it a very tight call for the first match.”
Tuesday’s practice match gave the Proteas their first chance to adapt to changes to the ODI playing regulations implemented by the ICC.
These include a ruling that three boundary fielders are permitted instead of the previous two for one of the two five-over power plays, the mandatory replacement of the ball after 34 overs and a free hit awarded after a foot-fault no ball.
Captain Graeme Smith missed Tuesday’s warm-up with a stomach virus but should be fit for the opening game after taking a full part in practice on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Pakistan also have injury problems of their own and are sweating on the fitness of paceman Mohammad Asif, who has an elbow problem.
The host's batting line-up will include Mohammad Yousuf, who was not selected for last month's ICC World Twenty20.
Controversial paceman Shoaib will be a notable absentee for the hosts for much of the best-of-five series as he serves out the the remainder of a 13-game ban handed down by the PCB following an altercation with team-mate Asif last month.
Shoaib’s punishment has been implemented retroactively from the time of the incident, meaning that he will be available for selection in the final game in Karachi on October 29.
