The Proteas won the 2007 series in Pakistan 1-0 and for his 421 runs in the two Tests, Jacques Kallis, was named as the player of the series.

Proteas coach, Mark Boucher, who also played in that series says they are expecting a spin conducive track this week.

“Definitely more than one spinner. We came here thinking that reverse swing was going to play a role.

“You then sometimes get to certain conditions and you realise that this isn't going to happen.

“We believe that we've got different options in our squad and we've also got the mindset of not fearing trying out something different than in the past.

“We can see from Pakistan's squad selection and the conditions in front of us that they're going with a spin mindset.

We've also got guys who can do the job in those conditions, especially in Karachi even though that may change in Karachi.

“If you want to win a series away from home, you need to make some brave calls and the team will bring that mindset into the game.

“Not only is the weather a lot cooler, but the conditions are also completely different from what I have experienced.

“There's a lush green outfield and in South Africa, when it's colder, the pitches are slower and that's something we've seen here.

The conditions aren't what we thought they would be. We talked about reverse swing but having gone to the ground recently because of security measures, we found that the outfield was very green and moist.

“I don't know how potent reverse swing will be but looking at the wicket and how Pakistan have picked their team, it's definitely going to turn.

“There isn't going to be a lot of assistance for seamers.”

Play at the National Stadium in Karachi starts at 7am on Tuesday morning (South African time).

@MorganPiek OFM Sport