Team http://www.senore.com/Cricket/South-Africa-c757 taking nothing for granted – Gary Kirsten – Cricket News Update
As his side prepares to take on New Zealand in the upcoming Test series, South African coach, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Gary-Kirsten-c58527, reflects on a highly successful year where they team has truly cemented their stature as the world’s best.
The Proteas will begin the New Year with a sense of accomplishment, having fended off threats from England and Australia to emerge as the worthy holders of the http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750.
On paper, they seem as overwhelming favourites but Kirsten was keen to emphasise on the need to show ruthlessness rather than complacency, a notion which has served them pretty well since his appointment.
Although Kirsten formally began his tour with a home series against Australia in late 2011, it was the away series against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746.
He injected his own philosophy into the team, which revolved around methodical rather than extensive training. Players were given period rests and even the back-room staff was looked after. It ultimately united the group even further where loss and win was greeted with similar humility.
"The success of our team in 2012 was that we remained humble in our play," he said. "We didn't take any situation or any team for granted. We made sure that our preparation was spot on and that when we got into Test match time, we set up solid foundations to give ourselves the best chance of success."
The success inevitably followed on the field, and Proteas extended their away record of not being beaten in a Test since February 2010. While they have not managed to produce that sort of streak at home – losing at least one Test match in the last five series on their own soil – Kirsten warned that his side remain hungry to prove their mettle in front their own fans.
"The guys look proudly at their away record. The success of this team is based what we do every day so whether we are home or away, doesn't matter."
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