Share

SA bat, pick Harris, Botha

Dubai - South Africa won the toss and elected to bat in the first Test against Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Friday.

Both teams enter something of the unknown today as it is the very first Test to be played at the venue.

Pakistan have been rocked recently by the decision of wicketkeeper Zulqarnain Haider to head to the United Kingdom in a bid to claim political asylum.

The hosts also have a new captain, in the form of Misbah-ul-Haq, while Adnan Akmal will make his test debut behind the stumps.

Opening batsman Taufeeq Umar makes a return to international cricket but Pakistan’s efforts will not be helped by the absence of senior batsman Mohammad Yousuf who is injured. He is replaced by Azhar Ali.

South Africa, who have opted to include two spinners, have a number of new faces in their team after the one-day portion of the tour.

Batsmen Alviro Petersen and Ashwell Prince, wicketkeeper Mark Boucher and left-arm spinner Paul Harris all make a return to the international stage.

Teams:

Pakistan:

Taufeeq Umar, Mohammad Hafeez, Younis Khan, Azhar Ali, Misbah-ul-Haq (captain), Umar Akmal, Adnan Akmal (wk), Abdur Rehman, Wahab Riaz, Umar Gul, Saeed Ajmal

South Africa:

Graeme Smith (captain), Alviro Petersen, Jacques Kallis, Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers, Ashwell Prince, Mark Boucher (wk), Johan Botha, Paul Harris, Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
How much would you be prepared to pay for a ticket to watch the Springboks play against the All Blacks at Ellis Park or Cape Town Stadium this year?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
R0 - R200
33% - 1818 votes
R200 - R500
32% - 1778 votes
R500 - R800
19% - 1084 votes
R800 - R1500
8% - 461 votes
R1500 - R2500
3% - 187 votes
I'd pay anything! It's the Boks v All Blacks!
5% - 254 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE