Azhar Ali wary of South African bowling attack ahead of Test series

Pakistan right-hand batsman Azhar Ali is wary of the South African bowling attack ahead of the upcoming two-Test match series between the two countries, starting from January 26 in Karachi.

“South Africa is a very strong side. Their bowling line-up is very strong - not only the fast bowlers but their spinners are also up to the mark, especially Keshav Maharaj," said Azhar while talking to reporters on Friday.

"They’re very seasoned and experienced so they’ll pose a serious challenge to our team. We will have to be our best against them," he added.

The 35-year-old believes that home conditions along with Babar Azam’s return from injury will help Men in Green in posting big totals on the board.

 “Home condition is always beneficial for any team. Our performances in the last two home series were very good and our batsmen are also in good form. They’ve been scoring some runs in the away series as well, individually, despite difficult conditions," he said.

"Babar has also returned to the side and it will boost our batting line. I am confident that our batting will do well in the series against South Africa," he added.

Proteas bowling-attack is strengthened by the return of their pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada and all-rounder Dwaine Pretorius, who recently missed the home series against Sri Lanka. The visitors have also received a spin-bowling boost with the inclusions of left-arm spinners Tabraiz Shamsi and George Linde.