Proteas hungry for Test wins – Rabada

The Standard Bank Proteas enter the Sunfoil Test series against Bangladesh starting at Senwes Park in Potchefstroom on Thursday with a determined hunger to return to winning ways. The 3-1 loss to England in August put an end to the Proteas’ proud winning streak of four consecutive series wins, a rally the squad is motivated to resume. The selectors have continued with the consistency in selection that has been the backbone of the squad’s success in the past year, with newly appointed head coach, Ottis Gibson, bringing in fresh perspective and ideas. Proteas fast bowler, Kagiso Rabada, believes the current mix of players and coaching staff is the perfect balance to revive their winning ways. Rabada and Morne Morkel will carry the fast-bowling mantle in the absence of Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander, which will be another opportunity to grow and expose the pace resources in the Proteas setup. The squad had a first glance at the pitch during their first practice at the ground on Tuesday, but have identified the need to adapt to what is presented for Senwes Park’s second International Test match.The only match to be played at the venue was a reflection of the high-scoring nature of the conditions, with South Africa beating Bangladesh by an innings and 160-runs in 2002. The win was underpinned by a mammoth first innings score of 482/5 led by centuries from Herschelle Gibbs 114, Gary Kirsten 160 and Jacques Kallis 139* as well as a match-winning 5/21 from Kallis with the ball.