Proteas coach backs team bowlers to target Pak top-order

Islamabad: South African coach Russell Domingo has said that his fast bowlers will be targeting Pakistan`s fragility in their top batting order in the upcoming two-Test series between the two sides in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Pakistani Twenty20 captain Mohammad Hafeez`s omission from his team`s Test squad has given South African seamers a clear indication of where to draw the battle lines for the series as Hafeez`s spot is likely to be filled by a less-experienced batsman. According to the Daily Times, Domingo said that his team is pleased that Hafeez is unlikely to play a part in the Test matches as he is both a quality bowler and a batsman, adding that his bowlers will be tasked with pressurising the Pakistani top-order and exploiting their most obvious weakness. Stating that the South African pace attack against Pakistan`s opening batsmen will be important to set up the series for them, Domingo also said that even though conditions are expected to suit spinners more than fast bowlers, South Africa can push for victory by preventing Pakistan from establishing strong first-wicket stands. According to Domingo, Test cricket in his country has been successful because of the way the openers have gone about their business, adding that the opening partnership is the most important partnership in any format. Domingo also said that he is ready should the ground staff prepare different pitches in the UAE, adding that his team is used to such things as they have been involved in series where they do not find the type of wicket that they desire. ANI