“It’s another Test match and we will prepare the same way we do for any Test match”

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

South Africa all-rounder Jean Paul (JP) Duminy has announced that the Proteas will not underestimate Zimbabwe during their one-off Test match, which gets underway tomorrow in Harare.

Duminy also noted that South Africa will treat this match like any other Test match.

“It’s another Test match and we will prepare the same way we do for any Test match,” Duminy said. “There’s probably more emphasis for this Test match because the pressure will be on us to put in a big performance. And I know we are up for the challenge. It’s a representative game for your country and you have to take it seriously.”

Duminy also stated that South Africa have to deal with the pressure both on and off the field since this game is being regarded as a rivalry.

“The first thing we spoke about in our team meeting yesterday was to be wary of those kinds of things and not to take anything for granted,” Duminy said. “We are going to face challenges being here. Things don’t go your way in the hotel or whatever – lifts don’t work, as happened yesterday, but those are just challenges you have to face. To stay on top as the No. 1 ranked team you have to make sure you deal with those situations and respect every team that you play against. We respect Zimbabwe and we are by no means are we taking this game lightly. It’s an international game and once you take your foot off the gas, Mother Cricket finds you out quickly.”

Two Zimbabwe batsmen have already asked whether South Africa pace maestro Dale Steyn will play or be rested. However, it is likely that the Proteas’ speed demon will play.

“In Test cricket, you want to keep as close as possible to the same team,” Duminy said. “You want to build momentum, especially with not playing as many Test matches this season as we normally would.

“We are not trying to win this game in three days. If we can win on the last session of the last day it will be a job well done.”