Domingo had hoped for more warm up games
South Africa coach Russell Domingo says having only one warm-up match ahead of the series against Pakistan is 'not ideal' but is confident the players will be able to adapt to the hot conditions in the UAE.
South Africa coach Russell Domingo says having only one warm-up match ahead of the series against Pakistan is 'not ideal' but is confident the players will be able to adapt to the hot conditions in the UAE.
The Proteas will play a warm-up game against Pakistan A in Sharjah this week, before the first Test starts in Abu Dhabi on 14 October. The players have been getting used to the hot conditions with trips to the beach, according to images posted by players on Twitter.
The coach said on Monday: "Ideally, we would have loved to have played two warm-up games ahead of a long tour. That would have settled us down nicely for the Test matches.
"When you get here it's always stifling but we will get used to it (the weather) after a couple of days. When you are on a long tour, you want two warm-up games. One warm-up game is not ideal.
"But it's better than nothing. Fortunately for us, some of the guys have been playing cricket in the Champions League while Hashim (Amla) was playing county cricket and others were preparing with their franchises.
"It's important to get all the players up to speed ahead of the Tests. We have re-emphasised the important elements that made this Test side so successful and we want to continue to execute those aspects of preparation.
"They are a mature bunch of cricketers, and have been around for a while."
Speaking of mature cricketers, the Proteas will be able to call on veteran all-rounder Jacques Kallis after his extended break from the game. Domingo was confident 'Jakes' would be able to come out in top form.
He said: "Jacques is fresh and very excited to go. It's the longest break he has had in his career. He is fit physically and mentally, so that's good for us.
"He is a great professional. He knows the standards he has achieved and what he needs to do to maintain those standards."
Latest
-
NewsEdgbaston officials to investigate allegations of racist abuse among crowd
The claims were highlighted by former cricketer Azeem Rafiq.
-
NewsAlex Lees: England have ultimate belief they can complete chase against India
India set the winning line at 378, higher than any England side has ever managed, but the hosts need just 119 more with seven wickets in hand.
-
NewsJoe Root and Jonny Bairstow leave England daring to dream against India
No England side has ever hunted down more than 359 but they have their eyes set on a record chase of 378 at Edgbaston.
-
EnglandEngland make quick inroads into record chase against India
Alex Lees and Zak Crawley put on 107 for the first wicket after the hosts were set 378 to win.
-
EnglandEngland face record run chase despite four wickets on fourth morning of fifth Test
India took their lead beyond 360 at Edgbaston in the series decider.
-
EnglandEngland ready to chase down any target India set, says Jonny Bairstow
The tourists established a commanding position, despite Bairstow’s knock of 106.
-
EnglandEngland still battling to contain India despite Jonny Bairstow century heroics
Bairstow’s 106 contained 14 boundaries and two sixes, but England still gave up a 132-run lead after being bowled out for 284.
-
EnglandJonny Bairstow century heroics for England not enough to keep India at bay
Bairstow made 106 in typically rambunctious style, with 14 boundaries and two sixes.
-
NewsIn-form Jonny Bairstow leads England charge against India in Edgbaston decider
The Yorkshireman raced to 91 not out as England progressed to 200 for six.
-
NewsJames Anderson expects England to maintain their aggressive approach
India are in control of Ben Stokes’ team at Edgbaston.