Proteas must win Test series

AFP

The three-match cricket Test Series against New Zealand is the final hurdle the Proteas must overcome to ensure they master all three formats of the game.

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The three-match cricket Test Series is the final hurdle the Proteas must overcome to ensure they master all three formats of the game against New Zealand when the series gets underway at the University Oval in Dunedin on Wednesday.

Proteas' coach Gary Kirsten said it would be essential to make a quick mental transition to the longer format.

“We're looking forward to the series, it's been a great tour for us so far,” Kirsten said.

“I think we have played better as the games have gone along, but it's a new format and we need to make sure that we are mentally ready and up for it.”

After successive T20 and ODI series victories, Kirsten's team will be looking to make a clean-sweep and topple England from the top of the Test rankings.

“The next two days are going to be important for us from a training perspective, especially the repetition of hitting balls and making sure that the bowlers get their bowling up to speed,” Kirsten said.

“It's a quick turnaround from formats, so it is important for us to get ourselves mentally and physically prepared come Wednesday.”

The conditions, both on and off the field, have been the talking point in the lead up to the match. A good batting wicket has been predicted, coupled with bitterly cold temperatures. Kirsten, however, believes the Proteas have to adapt to the playing conditions regardless of the weather.

“We have to be able to play in any conditions and make the type of plays during the game that are going to allow us to have the success that we are looking for.

“We will not be scared of conditions or scared of what is dished up at us. We feel we have enough skill in our team to be able to handle all different circumstances.

“We know what our strengths are and we feel that if we can really play to our strengths against any team that we come up against, we are going to be a tough team to beat.” – Sapa