Proteas to take on depleted Windies

RussellDomingo

The top-ranked Proteas, back in five-day action for the first time since August, are strong favourites to see off a Windies side missing a number of its more well-known players.

Hard-hitting opener Chris Gayle is absent through injury, former skipper Darren Sammy retired from Tests earlier this year and batsman Darren Bravo has made himself unavailable for selection due to personal reasons.

Nevertheless, South Africa coach Russell Domingo expects a stiff test as the Proteas take on West Indies in red-ball cricket for the first time since 2010.

"We haven't played a Test since our tour to Zimbabwe in August so that is nearly five months," Domingo said.

"It gives us some time away from the white ball to re-energise that aspect of our game; we have played a lot of ODI cricket over the last year.

"We need to do our homework on them. West Indies cricket has a proud reputation and a proud record.

"We know that they are one of the best one-day sides in the world and they are a team that will be desperate to do well in the Test format."

This will be the first outing for the West Indies since they abandoned their tour of India in October, after a row between the players and the West Indian Cricket Board (WICB).

They have only recorded one away victory over South Africa in 12 attempts.

However, West Indies bowling consultant Curtly Ambrose is confident his side will give a good account of themselves.

"I feel very confident with where we are at the moment and I believe that we are going to do well, contrary to what others may believe," said the legendary former fast bowler.

"We all know South Africa is the number one team in the world but we are prepared."

The Windies will be hoping Sheldon Cottrell can carry his tour form into the first Test. The left-arm paceman took five wickets in just six overs against a South African Invitational XI last week.

"Sheldon bowled very well in the warm-up game in Benoni," Ambrose said.

"He's looking good, but we can rely on all the bowlers to bowl South Africa out twice.

"Having Sheldon as a left-arm bowler could be the difference."

The first Test in Centurion will be followed by subsequent matches in Port Elizabeth and Cape Town.

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