Pakistan's batsmen face a big challenge when they take on South Africa's in-form fast bowlers in the second Test starting at Newlands here today
After being bowled out for 49 on the way to a 211-run defeat in the first Test in Johannesburg, Pakistan will be up against Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel on the ground where Australia were bowled out for 47 last season and New Zealand for 45 last month.
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Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq identified combating the new ball as the top priority for his team following the first Test.
The left-handed Imran Farhat, who played the most recent of his 39 Tests in August 2010, opened the batting in both innings in a two-day practice match against an Emerging Cape Cobras team which ended on Monday, but it is uncertain whether he will play in the Test.
Mohammad Hafeez failed twice in the first Test and did not bat in the practice match, while Nasir Jamshed, who showed promise as an opener in his first Test appearance, suffered an ankle injury in the field against the Cobras team and also did not bat, but is expected to be fit for the Test.