Pakistan’s ex-skipper and experienced batsman Azhar Ali has said even thehome advantage being with his team but South African team will be a seriouschallenge for the Pakistan team.

He said in his statement that “South Africa is a very strong side” “Theirbowling line-up is very strong – not only the fast bowlers but theirspinners are also up to the mark, especially Keshav Maharaj,”

“They’re very seasoned and experienced so they’ll pose a serious challengeto our team. We will have to be our best against them.”

Azhar Ali further added to his statement that,

“Home condition is always beneficial for any team,”

“Our performances in the last two home series were very good and ourbatsmen are also in good form. They’ve been scoring some runs in the awayseries as well, individually, despite difficult conditions.

“Babar has also returned to the side and it will boost our batting line. Iam confident that our batting will do well in the series against SouthAfrica.”

The veteran batsman also talked about the training sessions held atNational Stadium ahead of the first test match and said,

“We are training according to match scenario so that players can adjust tothe requirements of the game, and especially to have bowlers get used tobowling long spells.”