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Philander doubt for Proteas

Image: Philander: hamstring strain

Vernon Philander is an injury doubt for the opening one-dayer against Pakistan in Lahore on Thursday.

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Momentum with us, says South Africa coach

South Africa are aiming to take their Test form into the one-day arena against Pakistan. The Proteas claimed a 1-0 success over two Tests and head into the five-match one-day series full of confidence. Coach Mickey Arthur believes his side have adapted well to the conditions in Pakistan and has given his backing veteran seamer Shaun Pollock. Pollock was dropped for the first time in his career for the Tests, but is expected to take the new-ball in the one-dayers. "Planning is going to be key in this series as we have a tough task ahead of us," said Arthur. "If we execute our plans like we did in the Tests, we could win this series as well. "I am confident because we have a good mix of experience and youth and most of the guys are in good shape. "The pitches will be the same so we should carry the momentum of the Tests forward." On Pollock, he added: "He is an accomplished performer and we are backing him completely."

Philander doubt

South Africa's only fitness concern for Thursday's series-opener in Lahore concerns Vernon Philander, who has a hamstring strain. Team physiotherapist Shane Jabaar said it would be a 'tight call' for the all-rounder to make the first game. Pakistan welcome back experienced batsman Mohammad Yousuf to their limited-overs squad. Yousuf was not selected for the recent ICC World Twenty20, but returned to the international fold during the second match of the Test series. But fast bowler Mohammad Asif will be absent for at least the opening game due to an elbow injury. "He is required to have more rest to regain full fitness," said team manager Talat Ali. South Africa (from): Graeme Smith (captain), Justin Kemp, Herschelle Gibbs, Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers, Jean-Paul Duminy, Mark Boucher, Shaun Pollock, Vernon Philander, Albie Morkel, Johan Botha, Makhaya Ntini, Charl Langeveldt, Andre Nel Pakistan (from): Shoaib Malik (captain), Mohammad Yousuf, Younis Khan, Shahid Afridi, Salman Butt, Mohammad Hafeez, Imran Nazir, Kamran Akmal, Misbah-ul Haq, Mohammad Asif, Umar Gul, Rao Iftikhar, Yasir Hameed, Abdul Rehman, Sohail Tanvir