Starting a series with a total of 49 leaves a low base for improvement, but Pakistan's second innings showed them in a far better light as they ensured the Test would enter a fourth day

Pakistan ended a fascinating opening day of the series with the advantage after chipping South Africa out for 253 at the Wanderers.

ESPNcricinfo looks at four confrontations that could have an important bearing on the outcome of the series

ESPNcricinfo previews the opening Test between South Africa and Pakistan in Johannesburg

South Africa nearly messed up another run chase, but Ryan McLaren's six off the final ball ensured they avoided their first whitewash on home soil

England will not take their Test series in New Zealand lightly with a full-strength squad expected to be named on Thursday

South Africa made a strong attempt at defending 208 in Paarl as New Zealand's top order struggled in familiar fashion

It took South Africa less than a session to complete a crushing innings-and-193-runs victory in Port Elizabeth

It shows how low expectations have sunk when taking a Test into a fourth day classes as something of a success

Alex Hales, the England and Nottinghamshire opener, will not take part in the controversial Bangladesh Premier League which starts next week

New Zealand were reduced to a hopeless 47 for 6 in reply to South Africa's 525 for 8 as the home side's attack again proved too much to handle

Hashim Amla's 19th Test hundred put South Africa in control on the opening day in Port Elizabeth

England's rotation policy has left them short of experience in the bowling ranks in India but in Steven Finn they have a quick bowler who can cause damage - so long as he stays fit

Despite India going through a tough time, England are expecting them to come back strong in the one-day series that starts next week

It is early days for New Zealand in South Africa, but in the opening Twenty20 at Kingsmead there was a gulf between the teams that does not bode well for the tour

Nottinghamshire have told three of their England players - Michael Lumb, Alex Hales and Samit Patel - that they will not be able to pursue interest in taking part in the IPL next year

English cricket remains "very nervous" about the participation of players in the Bangladesh Premier League and has warned those taking part of the risks

Dave Nosworthy, the former Lions coach in South Africa, has been named Somerset's new director of cricket

Few gave England hope after defeat in Ahmedabad, but a few weeks later they left with a famous series victory. There were a few key reasons why they came out on top

As an individual event this torturous Test match will not linger long in the memory, but for what the end result enabled England to achieve will be chronicled as one of the team's finest hours