Pakistan v South Africa Test Series

By Bigjoe

Commences Friday 12th November, 06.00 GMT

South Africa prevailed 3-2 in a thrilling ODI series and now the action moves onto the longest format with two test matches.

South Africa will be looking for a boost ahead of their showdown at home next month against the No1 ranked Indian side. Pakistan will be looking to overcome yet more off field controversy. Their  wicketkeeper, Zulqarnain Haider done a midnight runner from the team hotel in Dubai ahead of the final ODI and turned up in London citing threats to him and his family from the bookie underworld.

In England earlier this year, Pakistan won Test matches against Australia and England. However the major reason for those successes was the bowling of Mohammed Asif and Mohammed Amir, both of whom remain suspended, pending investigations into alleged spot fixing.

These Tests though are on different pitches then those in England. Dubai and Abu Dhabi will see pitches that will rely less on seam and swing, more on spin and reverse swing. In these departments Pakistan still have the services of Saeed Ajmal and the pace pairing of Umar Gul and Wahab Riaz. There are also recalls for Mohammed Sami and the unorthodox Sohail Tanvir. The side will be captained by Misbah-ul Haq and there is a recall for the big guns  Mohammed Yousef and Younis Khan.

South Africa will provide a stiff test. Hamish Amla, Jacques Kallis and AB de Villiers are all in prime form and they will be boosted by the return from injury of their main strike bowler, Dale Steyn. The Saffers have been a consistently formidable Test side in recent years and they will be confident of winning this series.

The market prices up South Africa as long odds on favourites. On these pitches, which are likely to suit Pakistan more, I feel the value lies in opposing the Saffers in this series. Pakistan have shown that on their day they can be a match for any team and with the support of the local masses behind them, they are more then capable of winning at least one of the Tests.

My suggested bets therefore are:

In The Series Outright Market:

LAY South Africa for 5 points Liability  @ 1.62 at Betfair

In The Series correct Score Market:

BACK Pakistan to win 1-0 for 2 points @ 11.0 at Bet365

BACK Pakistan to win 2-0 for 1 point @ 29.0 at Sky Bet

Bigjoe