Proteas media backs side to 'hold all aces' against 'unpredictable' Pak in UAE series

The South African media has backed their country's team to 'hold all their aces' against an unpredictable Pakistan side during their two-Test series in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), starting from Monday.

South Africa, which has dominated the five-day format and are unbeaten in a Test series since losing to Sri Lanka in 2006, has beaten Pakistan in 11 of their 21 Tests, losing only three and drawing the remaining seven.

According to Sport24, South Africa has an impressive record against sub-continent teams as they have lost only four out of their last 20 Tests against such opposition and just once in an away series as compared to Pakistan, whose only series win came way back in 2003 on home ground.

The report mentioned that Graeme Smith's men routed Pakistan 3-0 in their Test series earlier this year and exposed their fragile batting, adding that the dry pitches of the UAE also hold no fears for the team given that they drew a two-Test series in the UAE in 2010, where their leading batsmen made impressive scores and records.

Stating that his side is ready for all possibilities, Smith, who returns to international cricket following an ankle injury in March, said that even though his team expects the wickets to spin, they are aware that the proper handling of Saeed Ajmal is the key to success in the series.