Smith vows to retain Proteas` pride by winning second Test

Johannesburg: South African captain Graeme Smith has vowed to keep his team`s pride and an unbeaten seven-year away record by winning the second Test against Pakistan, which is set to start in Dubai on Wednesday.

Smith`s men have not lost an away series since losing in Sri Lanka in 2006 on their way to becoming the world`s top team in the Test rankings, although their pride and record will be at stake as they seek to level the two-match series after losing the first Test by seven wickets in Abu Dhabi last week. According to Sport24, the task will be even tougher for South Africa as key players Hashim Amla and Dale Steyn, both number one batsman and bowler respectively in Test rankings, will be missing in action. However, Smith is hopeful that his team will overcome the obstacles by maintaining a standard over the next period of time, adding that he also hopes that the replaced players provide the performances that are needed to win the Test. Stating that he is looking forward to an improved showing from his side, Smith also said that they need to post more solid totals from the batting perspective, adding that he is confident of his team`s ability to level the series as they has won all around the world.