Johannesburg – The Proteas will have to rely on character and adaptability in uncharted territory, all-rounder Ryan McLaren said ahead of their One-Day International (ODI) series against New Zealand on Tuesday.
The Proteas play two of their three ODIs against the Black Caps at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui – an unknown ground, with a single ODI between the Netherlands and Canada to its name.
“Having spoken to the guys who have played here in the past, the general perception is that the wickets here tend to be a bit slower,” McLaren said on Friday.
“This ground will be foreign to most of the teams and it will be important to assess the conditions as quickly as possible and to try to plan from then. As a professional team, we have to be able to adapt as soon as possible, irrespective of what is placed in front of us.”
The Proteas arrived in Tauranga on Wednesday giving them enough time to adapt to the time zones and conditions ahead of their opening ODI on Tuesday.
“It's been great to settle in here for the last few days,” McLaren said.
“A few of the boys have been trying to shake off the jet-lag but generally it seems like everyone has acclimatised quite well.
“The mood in the camp is good, the guys have had two training sessions which we have eased into, and we will look to increase the intensity going into the match in three days' time.”
The all-rounder had made a full recovery from the fractured forearm sustained during the triangular series match against Australia in Zimbabwe in August.
“The arm is feeling good. It has recovered quite well and I started batting yesterday and today.
“Every day is a step in the right direction and gradual improvement so I'm pretty happy with where I am.
“Every bit of cricket we can play in these conditions, and winning over here (New Zealand and Australia), will push the morale and the confidence in the team ahead of the World Cup. – Sapa