The one day series was classic. The series was full of twists are turn with nail biting games. It was somewhat expected as Pakistan are better matched to South Africa in limited overs than Test matches. Now comes the 'real' Test for Pakistan.

Playing at desert in heat won't be easy for both teams. Will Dubai cricket stadium hold a thrilling Test match after hosting two classic one day internationals between these two teams last week?

Pakistan, the home team in this series would feel they have plenty of work to do. They have a new captain Misbah ul Haq They have more than one problem to deal with. The most notable problem is that Pakistan are without two leading fast bowlers Muhammad Asif and Muhammad Aamir who Imran Khan branded as 'the best attack in the world'.

To add to this the country's premier spinner Danish Kaneria has not been allowed to participate in this series for an unknown reason. Another scandalous problem is the 'disappearance' of wicketkeeper Zulqarnain Haider who is replaced by Kamran and Umar's brother Adnan Akmal.

Other notable changes are the return of Taufeeq Umar and Mohammad Sami. These two can play important part in the test series. The wicket at Dubai Cricket Stadium would offer some early swing and bounce despite being a batting track.

Pakistan have won two and lost three Tests recently

South Africa are favorites for this series. Pakistan are in all sorts of trouble off field. They haven't won a series in 3 years. South Africa would like to capitalize on this and stamp their authority. The second best Test team in the world would look to win series easily.

South Africa's batting is a wall of concrete. Hashim Amla would be a key player, with Graeme Smith, AB de Villiers and Jacques Kallis supporting him. The spin bowling may let South Africa down, with none of their spinners is in very impressive form. The return of Morne Morkel and Dale Steyn would pump up South Africa's chances of prevailing in the Test series.

The South African team is a blend of youth and experience. It won't be easy dealing with hot and humid conditions of Dubai, both Pakistan and South Africa know that. On paper, these two sides are not an even match and South Africa would back themselves to win, probably clean sweep Pakistan in the two match Test series.

South Africa have won three tests, drawn and lost one each, recently

Tag :- Morne Morkel   Muhammad Asif   Pakistan   South Africa   Taufeeq Umar   Zulqarnain Haider