Publications
Partners
Harare - The Proteas will be showing their Zimbabwean counterparts due respect in the upcoming one-off Test match starting in Harare on Saturday.
JP Duminy says the tag as the overwhelming favourites adds pressure to "put in a big performance", but also means their preparation and mindsets will need to be at optimum levels.
"There is probably more emphasis on this Test match because the pressure will be on us to put in a big performance.
"We are up for the challenge, it's a representative game for your country so you have to take it seriously."
The Proteas' main priority is to win at all costs, and to continue with the momentum following the successful tour to Sri Lanka.
"It’s an International game, once you take your foot off the gas Mother Cricket finds you out very quickly," Duminy said.
"We are not going to try and win this Test match in three days.
"If we win the match in the last session of the last day it will still be a job well done.
"That is the mindset that we have to try and have; focusing on each session and each day, we can’t look too far ahead.
"You have to respect each and every team that you play against," he added.
"We respect Zimbabwe and by no means are we taking this game lightly, we have to make sure that we put in our best performance."
The all-rounder admits that the unknown factor of some of Zimbabwe's players' means the Proteas will need to place more emphasis on personal preparation and game plans.
"In these kinds of situations you probably focus more on your own preparation and what it will take to give yourself the best chance to perform," he said.
"It will be key for the batting and bowling attacks to have an understanding of what they (Zimbabwe) will bring, but again focusing more on our skills."
South Africa and Zimbabwe last played Tests against each other in a two-match series in 2005, with the Proteas winning both matches with an innings to spare.
