Misbah hoping Pak batsmen make most of venue advantage in UAE series

Islamabad: Pakistan cricket captainMisbah-ul-Haq has said that his team has a clear edge over South Africa in the two-Test series in the UAE, where extreme conditions will be difficult for the number one-ranked tourists.

According to the Dawn, Misbah pointed out that South Africa is the No. 1 side in the world but right now they are in the UAE, where it is a different story and a different ball game altogether. According to Misbah, South Africa`s strike force of Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel will not be as effective as they were in their home conditions and the Pakistan batsmen need to take full advantage of it, the report said. Misbah`s comments come days after South Africa bowling coach Allan Donald warned the hosts of the threat posed by a super-fit Steyn who was very eager and hungry to make a huge impact in this series, the report added. The Pakistan captain also seemed unperturbed by the mind games and said that things will be difficult for the fast bowlers but conducive for spin bowling. He said that he hoped some of the players who were playing for Pakistan `A` get some runs and some confidence before the start of the series. The first Test starts in Abu Dhabi from October 14, according to the report.