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Sharjah - The Proteas' Test squad began their preparations for the two-match Test series against Pakistan under the harsh Sharjah sun on Sunday afternoon.
The players held a lengthy training session at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium to unleash their hunger and intent to get going after a long break from the Test format.
The tour will start off with a three-day warm-up match against Pakistan "A" on Tuesday, a match that has been targeted as an aid for acclimatising to the stifling conditions as well as gaining important match practice according to coach, Russell Domingo.
Domingo says the squad has drawn on the key characteristics that led the team to the No.1 status last season, as they prepare to defend their supremacy.
"We touched base this morning and re-emphasised the important elements that have made this Test side so successful," Domingo said.
"We want to try and continue with those aspects like preparation, conditioning and execution; things that we have done well over the last period of time."
"They are a mature bunch of cricketers," he said when asked about the challenge of re-grouping quickly.
"They have been around for a while and they all have good connections and have played with each other over a period of time.
"I don't think it will be a major factor, but it is something that we need to make sure we do."
Faf du Plessis has arrived from India on Sunday afternoon, with only Thami Tsolekile still to arrive to complete the 15-man playing squad.
The players held a lengthy training session at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium to unleash their hunger and intent to get going after a long break from the Test format.
The tour will start off with a three-day warm-up match against Pakistan "A" on Tuesday, a match that has been targeted as an aid for acclimatising to the stifling conditions as well as gaining important match practice according to coach, Russell Domingo.
Domingo says the squad has drawn on the key characteristics that led the team to the No.1 status last season, as they prepare to defend their supremacy.
"We touched base this morning and re-emphasised the important elements that have made this Test side so successful," Domingo said.
"We want to try and continue with those aspects like preparation, conditioning and execution; things that we have done well over the last period of time."
"They are a mature bunch of cricketers," he said when asked about the challenge of re-grouping quickly.
"They have been around for a while and they all have good connections and have played with each other over a period of time.
"I don't think it will be a major factor, but it is something that we need to make sure we do."
Faf du Plessis has arrived from India on Sunday afternoon, with only Thami Tsolekile still to arrive to complete the 15-man playing squad.
