With a high-stakes Test series against Pakistan looming, South Africa aren’t leaving anything to chance—even if it means turning Pretoria into a mini Lahore. Captain Aiden Markram revealed that the Proteas squad recently completed an intensive training camp specifically designed to simulate the spinning conditions they’ll face on Pakistan’s dry, turning pitches .
Table of Contents
- Why Spin Is the Biggest Challenge
- Inside South Africa’s Spin Camp
- Key Batters to Watch
- Proteas’ Own Spin Attack Strategy
- Historical Context: SA vs. Pakistan on Turning Pitches
- Sources
Why Spin Is the Biggest Challenge for South Africa
South Africa’s recent Test record in Asia is modest at best. Their last tour to Pakistan in 2021 ended in a 2-0 defeat, with the likes of Nauman Ali and Sajid Khan exploiting the home conditions masterfully. This time, with the series set for Multan, Rawalpindi, and Karachi—three venues known for low bounce and sharp turn—the Proteas know they must adapt fast.
“We’ve tried to replicate those conditions as closely as possible,” Markram said after the camp. “It’s not just about technique—it’s about mindset.”
Inside South Africa’s Spin Camp
Held at the High Performance Centre in Pretoria, the camp featured:
- Custom-prepared pitches with added clay and reduced grass cover to mimic Multan’s dry surface
- Extended net sessions against specialist spinners, including uncapped domestic tweaker Tshepo Ntuli
- Video analysis of Pakistan’s top spinners from the last 12 months
- Drills focused on sweep shots, forward presses, and playing late
Coach Rob Walter emphasized that the goal wasn’t just survival—but scoring. “You can’t just block your way through 90 overs in these conditions. You have to rotate strike and find gaps,” he noted.
Key Batters to Watch
While the entire top order is under scrutiny, three players will be critical:
| Player | Role | Asia Test Avg (last 5 years) |
|---|---|---|
| Aiden Markram | Captain / No. 3 | 38.2 |
| Temba Bavuma | No. 4 | 32.7 |
| David Bedingham | Opener (debutant) | N/A |
Bedingham, recently granted South African citizenship, brings county experience against spin but will face his toughest test yet. Meanwhile, Markram’s own off-spin could be a tactical counter to Pakistan’s left-hand-heavy middle order.
Proteas’ Own Spin Attack Strategy
South Africa aren’t just preparing to face spin—they plan to fight fire with fire. Keshav Maharaj remains the frontline spinner, but the team is also considering a two-spinner combo, possibly including debutant Matthew Breetzke or all-rounder Wiaan Mulder.
“If we can get 10 wickets with spin, that changes the game,” Markram added. “We’re not just tourists—we’re here to compete.”
Historical Context: SA vs. Pakistan on Turning Pitches
Since 2007, South Africa have played just four Tests in Pakistan, winning none. Their last victory on Asian soil came in Sri Lanka in 2014. But with a younger, more adaptable squad—and this focused prep—they believe 2025 could be different.
As one insider put it: “This isn’t your dad’s Proteas team. They’re studying, adapting, and refusing to be tourists.”