Proteas go out of their way to make themselves ‘uncomfortable’ in mission to tame Tigers | Sport

Dean Elgar takes the lead at a training session. (Photo by Darren Stewart/Gallo Images)

• The Proteas have attempted to make training as uncomfortable as possible for themselves in the hope of firing immediately in the first Test against Bangladesh.
• There’s an expectation that conditions at Kingsmead could be more favourable for the Tigers, necessitating a bolder approach to SA’s preparations.
• Keshav Maharaj hopes the new faces in the squad could help the team overcome its infamous habit of starting slowly.

The Proteas have afforded themselves no luxuries at training ahead of the first Test against Bangladesh starting at Kingsmead on Thursday.

In fact, it’s been all about making things as tough as possible, particularly given the sense that they commence this vital skirmish at a venue with conditions that might resemble the sub-continent more than Africa.

With the wounds of an unexpected ODI series still raw and a poor recent record in Durban – South Africa have lost seven of their last 10 Tests here – weighing on certain minds, there’s no room for complacency.

READ | Pitches in the spotlight at SA’s hoodoo venues for Bangladesh Test series

“We’ve come a long way,” said Keshav Maharaj, the Proteas’ first-choice spinner and senior player on Wednesday.

“I believe our batting and bowling has grown a lot over the past months. We’ve made ourselves uncomfortable, taken ourselves out of our comfort zones in terms of training and tried to emulate conditions we’re might be faced with.   

“So yes, while there might be the thought there that sub-continent teams have done well here, we’ve come a long way and we’re trying to turn the tide, especially at Kingsmead.”

The Proteas have indeed put themselves in a handy position on the ICC World Test Championship table, occupying the second spot, which will be fortified by a positive outcome against the Tigers.

“I believe we’ve had a phenomenal year, starting in the West Indies. There have been some highs and lows. The loss in the ODI series has hurt a lot of the guys, but this Test side is different to that squad and hopefully we can carry over the confidence from the India and New Zealand series,” said Maharaj. 

“That said, the Bangladesh team has done extremely well and know these conditions. They can’t be taken lightly so we need to control what we can.

“No team can be on a high forever. It’s about dusting ourselves off and there’s a new buzz and excitement among the squad.”

That rejuvenation and inexperience, Maharaj believes, will be crucial in helping South Africa kick the nasty habit of starting slowly in series.

“That’s an interesting issue. We’ve tried to adjust but we just don’t seem to get it right yet,” he said.

“In a two-match series it’s going to be difficult if you’re a slow starter. Maybe the new faces can help us start on the front foot. We need to take control in the first hour and then set up a platform.”

The first ball will be bowled at 10:00.