We are used to playing back to back matches, says Jacques Rudolph – Cricket News Update
Just ahead of the second Test of the three-match series at Headingley, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Jacques-Rudolph-c1619, the South African cricketer, has claimed that his side is extremely fit and is used to coping with the hectic schedules of international cricket.
Leading the series 1-0 after dismantling the home team in the first match at the Oval, the visitors look favourites to seal the battle in the second encounter, which starts tomorrow.
The Proteas rely heavily on their fast bowlers, especially in the longer version of the sport. The likes of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Vernon-Philander-c2753 have been crucial in their success since the last 12 months.
Some of the pundits are raising question marks about the busy itinerary, causing injury threats to the players, especially the fast bowlers. The 31-year-old cricketer however, claims that his side is used to this hard routine, maintaining
high fitness levels.
The left-handed batsman expressed that schedule has not been an issue so far in the on-going tour, with the teams getting sufficient breaks between matches.
"We are quite used to playing back to back matches and getting into a rhythm but here we have had a lot of time off and you have to find ways to keep yourself fresh," said Rudolph.
After the Oval Test, the visitors played a 2-day tour game against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Worcestershire-c866, which ended without result. The batsman from Transvaal believes that the intensity levels in the practice matches are never the same, although the
South African mentor, Gary Kirsten, keeps the players on their toes all the time.
"Personally, I find that in the warm up games the intensity is not really there because it is not as competitive as a Test match," the left-hander added. "But http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Gary-Kirsten-c58527 is quite strong on the fact that you've got to be aware of
your own space and preparation."
Rudolph made a comeback to the Test team during the home series against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/New-Zealand-c754 at Dunedin earlier in
2012. The left-hander would love to make a mark in the current tour, especially because of that fact he has played a lot of county cricket experience.
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