Cricket-Asif back with a bang

CENTURION, South Africa, Jan 12 (Reuters) Pakistan's Mohammad Asif took four wickets on his return to international cricket in the first test against South Africa today.

South Africa were 254 for four at stumps on the second day in reply to Pakistan's first innings of 313.

Asif, playing his first match for Pakistan since he and fellow fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar tested positive for banned substances in November, took four for 58.

A tribunal headed by a judge later acquitted both players.

Much of South Africa's hopes of forging ahead will rest with Ashwell Prince, who was 77 not out, and Herschelle Gibbs, who scored an unbeaten 58.

The pair have put on 111 for the unbroken fifth wicket.

Reuters BDP RN2156