New challenge for Proteas
THE Proteas will need a change in mindset when they switch from one-day cricket to five-day Tests against New Zealand with the first of the three-match series starting today (Wednesday).
Coach Russell Domingo believes his team will adjust but it remains to be seen whether his confidence is justified.
Although the squad boasts a formidable bating line-up with Faf du Plessis, Temba Bavuma and JP Duminy steering the middle order, the loss of the mercurial AB de Villiers will be missed.
He pulled off a sterling performance in the one-dayers, where De Villiers led the batting averages with two unbeaten knocks and a top score of 85 in the third ODI.
In total the Proteas captain compiled 262 runs – the most for either side – at an average of 87.
While it can be seen as prudent to manage a player’s schedule to eke the most out of him, one can’t help but wonder if so many players would have been lost to Test cricket sans the cash rich Indian Premier League.
With Dale Steyn’s career seemingly over, Morne Morkel makes a return to the squad after a lengthy lay-off due to injury and it remains to be seen whether he still has his mojo.
Acclimatise
The current Test series in New Zealand might turn out to be a watershed moment in South Africa’s Test cricket fortunes as a young bunch of players will be required to step up to the plate.
The squad arrived in the South Island of New Zealand on Sunday afternoon fresh from their 3-2 series win in the one-day leg of the tour will be looking to make the most of the two days of preparation ahead of the match.
The Test players arrived in Auckland a week ago to acclimatise and to prepare for the three-match series, a valuable opportunity with the majority of the players making their debut trip to the island.
Domingo says the injection of new energy from the incoming Test players will make it a seamless adjustment.
“Our nine new Test players have been training for the last week in Auckland,” Domingo said on Sunday.
Momentum
“They are keen; they bring fresh energy, new thoughts, new ideas. We have a new captain who can’t wait to get going. We are comfortable with the short turnaround of three days and we should be good to go on Wednesday.
“It’s a totally different format, different squad and a different environment that a lot of them will be used to,” he said.
“Youngster like Duanne Olivier, Stephen Cook and Dean Elgar haven’t played Test cricket in New Zealand, it will be a new experience for them.
“For sure you get a bit of confidence, momentum and belief from the ODI series win, but both teams are 0-0 on Wednesday, we both have to start afresh.”
Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander have fully recovered from their respective injuries, and return to add valuable experience to the varied pace options which feature Kagiso Rabada, Duanne Olivier, Wayne Parnell and Chris Morris.
The Proteas’ attack was clinical in their last Test match against Sri Lanka in January – which was won by an innings and 118 runs – and with the addition of Morkel, will be relishing the opportunity in favourable conditions.
“He played a couple of oneday games back home so it’s great to have an experienced bowler like Morne Morkel back,” Domingo said.
“We know he is a big threat, he gets a lot of bounce,he is consistent in his areas, his experience is invaluable.” – ANA