Proteas left-arm spinner, Tabraiz Shamsi has stressed that his side are by no means overlooking the three-match T20I series against Australia. Instead, the 33-year-old says the hosts are gunning to win the series which kicks off at Kingsmead in Durban tomorrow evening (18:00).

The first of three T20 internationals will see South Africa take to the pitch for the first time in four months, having last played against the Netherlands in an ODI series where they recorded a 2-0 series win in April. In that series, South Africa was fighting to keep their automatic qualification hopes for the upcoming World Cup in India alive.

This time around, however, the Proteas come into the series with their World Cup participation ticket for the showpiece in India secured. As well as with a couple of new faces in the locker room.

The noticeable inclusion is Titans and former SA u19 batter Dewald Brevis, who after a superb spell in the domestic scene and the SA20 earlier this year, earned his maiden call-up to both the T20 and One-Day International side.

Alongside the firing Brevis are his provincial teammates Donovan Ferreira and paceman Gerald Coetzee. Keshav Maharaj managed to make a remarkable recovery from an Achilles injury that he sustained in the Test series against the West Indies earlier this year.

Another factor to ponder going into the series is the “not so impressive” record the home side possesses against the Aussies in the shorter format of the game.

In the 21 matches played between the sides, Rob Walter’s men have managed to only clinch four victories, while Australia have 11 wins and there’s one draw between the teams.

Nevertheless, the hosts will be fully aware that records mean little to nothing in high-pressure situations, and Shamsi believes his side’s preparedness and build-up to the series will steer them in the right direction.

“It’s been awesome, we were together as a team in the Kruger National Park just bonding, we had a great camp after that, so everybody is really pumped up for this series and just excited to play some cricket again,” said Shamsi.

“In terms of Australia, it doesn’t matter what sort of team they put out on paper, it’s always a great squad, always a good team.”

“But as South Africa, we always have nice intense series against them and this one is not going to be different; we’re looking forward to the challenge and we’re definitely up for it.”

In the lengthy break, Shamsi was one of the players who managed to still get some game time when he joined Galle Titans in the Lanka Premier League, in Sri Lanka for a short spell.

During his time in the league, the 33-year-old, picked up 12 wickets in nine matches, ending his campaign with an economy of 7.72.

The spinner says his time in the sub-continent has helped him in preparing for the upcoming series.

“It was nice to go to Sri Lanka, and play in the sub-continent,” he said.

“In terms of being game-ready, it helps that I’ve played quite a lot of games in the last month rather than coming in fresh after a four-month break.”

When asked whether he felt the Proteas were going into the series as underdogs with the lack of international matches played, Shamsi quickly dismissed those claims, saying the Proteas will never be underdogs against any team in the World.

The bowler also added that he believes the lack of matches played won’t affect the side, as the coaches have done everything to ensure that the squad is ready.

“Absolutely not, why would a South African team be underdogs against anybody,” said Shamsi.

“Look at the quality in our change room, look at the quality of players we have – we’ve rested a few of our senior players yet the guys that have come in are not the weak links.”

“No matter who the opposition is, no matter how good they are, we respect them, but we are not underdogs against any team in the World.”

“We’ve been put through our paces; we’ve been working really hard – I think we’ll be good – I can’t say how Wednesday will go but we are well prepared.”

The first of three T20 internationals between South Africa and Australia will kick off tomorrow at 18:00 at Kingsmead in Durban.