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Five things Proteas must do in the second Test in Rawalpindi

SA TOUR OF PAKISTAN

Zaahier Adams|Published

Tristan Stubbs | BackpagePix

Image: BackpagePix

The Proteas face hosts Pakistan in the second Test at Rawalpindi on Monday looking to level the series after losing the opener in Lahore last week.

Independent Media's Zaahier Adams highlights five things the Proteas need to do in a bid to preserve their 100% record under coach Shukri Conrad. 

1. Time to rest Tristan

An audacious talent that has just lost his spark of late. It’s been a rough period for Tristan Stubbs across formats, and the middle-order batter could do with some time away from the spotlight.

2. Bring back Marco

It was refreshing to see the Proteas change tact and opt for a three-pronged spin attack in the first Test. But their primary weapon remains pace and left-armer Marco Jansen is one of the best in the business. 

3. King Kesh

Pending fitness, the return of Keshav Maharaj cannot come fast enough. The left-armer is not without reason the Proteas’ premier spinner ever and will add a great amount of control to the bowling attack.

4. Look to score

The surface in Rawalpindi is expected to turn even more than Lahore with fans being used to keep it dry. The batters have to approach their work in a positive manner, with the mindset of trying to score instead of just survival.

5. Oh captain, my captain

The Proteas stand-in captain Aiden Markram scored a century the last time these two sides met in 'Pindi, and the visitors will certainly need their skipper to lead from the front if they are to start the Test on the front foot.