1st Test: Pakistan v South Africa at Abu Dhabi

Some seriously good performance from Pakistan. They are so freaking unpredictable!

They ended the Proteas streak, and in a thoroughly dominant fashion.

I'm so disappointed in our performance. 

I'm not trying to make excuses but I don't think our team were properly prepared for this match. Some members of the team hadn't played any competitive cricket for months. Hopefully they'll perform better in the second test, though Hashim Amla may be absent on paternity leave, which will leave a big hole for someone to fill.

My main concern going forward is that we really need a quality spinner.

Gina,


Not sure Pakistan had either, or did they?


What has happened to Imran Tahir?


Apart from him do you have a quality spinner.


Well done to Pakistan and we also capitulated to Pakistan in Sharjah.

I agree. But don't know why, even that aside, the batting lineup does not inspire confidence, probably I'm reading too much into this. I mean I know Faf played an epic innings and all, but his technique against spin especially is VERY suspect. Terrible performance on a flat pitch though.

Have you seen him bowl vs Australia? I mean I would say that the horrible spell he bowled vs Oz last time would have essentially ended the career for most spinners otherwise. It was DIRE to put it mildly. Poor man's Ashley Giles

The best thing they have now is Robbie P, I'm afraid. At least he can hold bat, so that's something. Lesser of the evils and all that.

Although to be fair to Imran Tahir, he did do well enough in the last season of domestic cricket, and is still head and shoulders above rest of the "spinners", if such things exist.

Boycs nailed it I think re: spinner drought in SA.

Imran Tahir is part of the squad and the commentators were discussing the possibility of his playing in the second test. I'm not sure whether he will though as the selectors seem to prefer Robin Peterson at the moment. His superior batting and fielding are certainly an asset, but his primary job is to bowl and that's where he let us down in this match. 


Both spinners bowled in the warm-up game and neither of them did very well. At times it looks like JP Duminy is our best spinner.

Your top 6 has to produce.


I have to admit I was in similar disarray when you were beating us at home and it is not a bad thing for the Saffers to lose. It will strenghten them as this Saffer team is resourceful.....

Yes, true. Sigh. JP can be a proper batting allrounder, but still it sucks to think that he's the second best option you have, if not the best. Speaks a lot, doesn't it?
I guess they will have to go with Tahir tbh. Robbie P, there's only so much he can do with the ball.

I'm sure a lot of people agree with you about Tahir vs Peterson. But do the selectors feel that way? I read a report the other day which made it sound like the new coach was very much in denial about the need for any changes to the team or the strategy.