South African captain Graeme Smith has admitted that his team was outplayed in the first Test against Pakistan at Abu Dhabi after his side fell to a seven-wicket loss against the sixth-ranked sub-continent side.
The tourists were bowled out for 232 in their second innings after conceding a big 193-run lead in the first, with AB de Villiers top-scoring with 90 in an innings rocked by Pakistani bowlers Saeed Ajmal (4-74) and Junaid Khan (3-57).
The world's top Test team has reportedly scheduled an optional training session in Abu Dhabi for discussions aimed at improving tactics and skills ahead of the second match starting in Dubai on Wednesday.
According to Sport24, Smith admitted that he is disappointed over the fact that his men have been outplayed by Pakistan, which has played well in these conditions of late.
Stating that there is a certain degree of stress for international teams whenever they come to play to the sub-continent as a Western nation, Smith refused to put any blame to the team's preparation for the series, saying that he believes his team has maximised the preparation time that they have had.
Smith further said that it is difficult to replicate Test matches when a side has not played a single one in six months, although he added that his team does not need any motivation to improve and can play to their potential in the crucial second match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
