Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq has spoken of his disappointment at losing the Test series in South Africa following Sunday's five-wicket defeat in Cape Town.
- Schedule: Pakistan in South Africa
The victory in a low-scoring match gave the hosts a 2-1 series triumph.
"We have lost a golden opportunity to win a series overseas against a top side. It is one of the biggest disappointments of my career," Inzamam said in a televised interview on the Geo channel on Monday.
Pakistan, who have never won a Test series in South Africa, struggled with injuries during the tour, with fast bowlers Shoaib Akhtar and Umar Gul sent home after the second Test, while all-rounders Shoaib Malik and Abdul Razzak did not play at all.
Inzamam said despite the fitness problems, Pakistan still had a long way to go to become a top Test side.
"We have won many Tests at home, but to be ranked among the best you have to win overseas," he said.
"The fitness problems with the bowlers didn't help, but it also showed that the team had grown together and learned to compete well."
Paceman Mohammad Asif (19 wickets) and leg-spinner, Danish Kaneria (15) carried the weight of the bowling for Pakistan, earning praise from their skipper.
"(Asif) has immaculate length control and a natural ability to swing the ball both ways. He is also quick to spot a weakness in a batsman and work on it," Inzamam said.
"Kanreia has improved his bowling and has the ability to take 500 Test wickets."
Inzamam left the field on Sunday with a back spasm and was advised by doctors to rest for five or six days.
"Hopefully I will be available for the one-day series," he added.
The five-match one-dayers start from Feb. 4.
