Despite the series defeat to India the Proteas are highly motivated to win the last match for Test Championship points, says Nortje.

After losing emphatically in the first two Tests, and with that the series, there is something to play for.

There are no more dead-rubber games in Test cricket with the introduction of the Test Championship.

Now that a series win is impossible, Nortje has emphasized the importance of picking up points for the Test Championship.

READ: HOW DOES THE TEST CHAMPIONSHIP WORK?

This will be the main motivator for the players heading into the final Test.

“We just trying to focus on what we trying to do and look at what’s ahead of us,” he said.

“We are not trying to look too far ahead, every game is 40 points for us in this series, so a win for us is still 40 points.

“It’s not about a series loss it’s about getting the points for the championship. So I think the guys are very keen and motivated for the last one.”

“The guys are keen to play, everyone is keen to get out there and play the last game,” he added.

“Obviously we had a few discussions now recently, reviewing what we did in the previous games, and I think the guys know what the plans are and what we need to do.

“Hopefully, we can get a win.”

The Proteas lacked consistency in all departments. But Nortje, being a bowler, emphasised the lessons he learnt personally and described the experience of debuting in India.

“It was a great experience, I really enjoyed it. Obviously not the result we wanted, but until even 140 overs in the field I still enjoyed it,” said Nortje.

“It was such a great experience. Hopefully, we can turn it around in the last Test.

“The main thing (I learnt) was the groupings as bowlers. The continuous accuracy at stages is probably the main thing I took out of it, you just have to be a lot more consistent.”

The Proteas play the third and final Test on Saturday in Ranchi.

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