Misbah says Pak must banish new-ball demons to stay afloat against Proteas

Misbah-ul-HaqKarachi, Feb 6 : Pakistan have 10 days to figure out a way to counter South Africa''s new-ball bowling attack ahead of the second Test at Newlands.

Captain Misbah-ul-Haq said their inability to find a way to deal with the new ball was the major factor in their 211-run defeat in the first Test on Monday, reports The Dawn.

The next Test will be played in Cape Town where South Africa bowled Australia out for 47 in November 2011 and New Zealand for 45 just last month.

The Pakistan team will play a two-day practice game against a Western Province Invitational XI in Cape Town on Feb 10 and 11, a chance at least to test this new resolve even if against vastly inferior opposition.

Their second innings total of 268 on Monday gives Pakistan some reason to be cheerful off the back of their record Test low of 49 in their first effort with the bat.

Pakistan coach Dav Whatmore has urged his players to be positive in the face of the South African attack. (ANI)