Bosch, the son of a Test fast bowler, took a wicket with his first ball in Test cricket and finished with four for 63 as Pakistan were bowled out for 211. Dane Paterson, enjoying a late-career surge at the age of 35, took five for 61 – his second five-wicket haul in successive Tests. Pakistan opening bowler Khurram Shahzad struck twice and Mohammad Abbas claimed a late wicket as South Africa reached 82 for three at the close.
Pakistan’s approach made for frenetic cricket after Bosch broke a cautious opening stand of 36 when he had Pakistan captain Shan Masood caught at first slip for 17. Opening partner Saim Ayub (14) and Babar Azam (4) followed in quick succession but Pakistan opted for attack rather than a defensive rebuild. Pakistan coach Aaqib Javed said in a pre-match television interview that he didn’t expect a significant difference in approach from his players after they beat South Africa 3-0 in a one-day series which ended on Sunday.
Javed reasoned that positive stroke play was required to score runs on a seam-friendly pitch. It seemed the majority of Pakistan’s batsmen were still in aggressive one-day mode. Both Paterson and Bosch benefitted from batsmen playing poor strokes.
“When we saw them really coming at us we just said, be patient,” said Bosch. “There was enough in the wicket that if you held your area there was always a ball that was going to get them out.” “It was (about) holding our nerve and not backing down,” added Bosch.
Saud Shakeel.
