South Africa fear Pakistan backlash

South Africa dominated the first Test from start to finish as they eased their way to a 1-0 lead over Pakistan in their three-match series. But though they deserved their win, they would do well to be on their guard as they will face a much stronger Pakistan side when the second Test begins on Friday.

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For the record, the home side are now 1/5 (1.20) for the series, while Pakistan are 12/1 and the draw is a 9/2 chance.

As said, though, Pakistan, who competed pretty well with a weakened side at Centurion, will be reinforced by the arrivals of Shoaib Aktar, back after his drugs ban was overturned by the Pakistan cricket board and their star batsman Mohammad Yousuf, who returns after being with his wife for the birth of their first child.

Herschelle Gibbs could be available despite the decision to ban him for two Tests for a reported racist slur against sections of the crowd at Centurion. Gibbs has appealed the ban and the hearing will not be until after the second Test, freeing him for selection.

What kind of shape Shoaib is in remains to be seen but he is always a threat, while the return of Yousuf is a massive boost as he is their best batsman right now, having scored a record 1788 runs from 11 Tests in 2006.

South Africa got the job done in the opening match but don't be surprised if this one doesn't go all their own way. The series is far from over.

The likely return of Umar Gul is also a big boost for Pakistan as he is emerging as a really important bowler for Pakistan.

South Africa are 6/5 to win the match, with Pakistan 3/1 and the draw 7/4.

Grounds for concern
Port Elizabeth has not been that successful a ground for South Africa in the past, with just eight wins from 21 matches there. They have lost nine and drawn the other four.

Seven Tests have been won by the team batting first, with 10 by the side batting second. Furthermore, the highest score to win a Test there is just 271-8, made by Australia ten years ago.

Jacques Kallis steered South Africa home at Centurion and he is 3/1 favourite to be his side's topscorer in the first innings this weekend. Captain Graeme Smith and in-form Ashwell Prince are both 4/1, Hashim Amla is 11/2 and Jacques Rudolph and AB de Villiers are each 13/2. Bet365 have no price for Gibbs, yet.

Despite his break, Yousuf is the 11/4 favourite to top the batting for Pakistan, with Younis Khan and captain Inzamam-ul-Haq next at 4/1. Imran Farhat is 9/2 and Mohammad Hafeez 11/2.

Anyone sensing a draw between these two teams will be buoyed by the fact that though only four of the 21 Tests have ended in stalemate, two of them have been in the past four.

Please note that odds are correct at time of publication and are subject to change.