S Africa pile on the runs

The Proteas take a firm grip of the opening day of the first test against Pakistan in Dubai.

SA-Pak cricket
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Graeme Smith led the charge with a dogged century as South Africa flayed the Pakistani bowling attack [AFP]

South Africa has dealt to a listless Pakistan bowling attack by racking up a commanding 311-3 including captain Graeme Smith’s 22nd Test century on day one of the first Test.

Everyone in the top order, including opener Alviro Petersen (67), Hashim Amla (80) and Jacques Kallis (53 not out) helped themselves to a half-century on a benign pitch at Dubai International Cricket Stadium as South Africa made a commanding start to the test on Friday.

Pakistan also suffered a major setback when Mohammed Yousuf had to pull out at the last moment because of a groin injury.

Yousuf injured himself in practice just before the start of the game and has been advised to rest for 10 days, meaning he will miss the second of the two-test series as well.

Intikhab Alam, Pakistan’s manager confirmed: “Yousuf will fly back to Pakistan and will not be available for the second test in Abu Dhabi.”

Except for Umar Gul, none of the bowlers troubled the batsmen, and the only wickets to fall were due to the batsmen’s failure to get on top of loose deliveries.

Source: AP