“We know they will come out all guns blazing,” said Proteas skipper, Dean Elgar, in his arrival press conference ahead of the Test series between South Africa and New Zealand. 

Referring to the Blackcaps as “fierce competitors,” Elgar believes South Africa’s performances through this series will serve as an indicator of the progress the Proteas have made over the last year.

“It’s going to be a great test for us to match ourselves and compare ourselves with a team that is at its peak at the moment.” 

Coming off a Test series win against a high-quality Indian bowling lineup, South Africa will now be tested against a potent New Zealand bowling attack.

“The New Zealand attack are a bit down on pace than the Indian attack. They execute their skills to perfection.

“Of late, their record has been brilliant here. They are a world-class cricket side. Their bowlers are quality, they exploit their conditions perfectly.” 

With Keegan Petersen unable to play this Test series owing to a positive COVID-19 test, Elgar confirmed that Sarel Erwee and Zubayr Hamza are the two contenders to replace Petersen, but the team management is yet to make a final decision.

Elgar’s view was that Erwee is ahead of Hamza in the pecking order, given the amount of time he has spent with the team over the last year. 

Elgar heaped praise on Marco Jansen, who was one of South Africa’s standout players in the series against India. Elgar insisted that Jansen should work towards being a genuine all-rounder, as opposed to a player who can offer only one discipline.

“He has the raw talent, ability, young skill to be that out and out all-rounder.” 

Given that the team has to undergo a ten-day quarantine, they have been allowed to use the gym and train in groups after four days of hard isolation.

The Proteas have been using the facilities at the High Performance Center at Lincoln University, and are expected to train at the Hagley Oval two or three days before the first Test begins.