High stakes, high pressure? South Africa will hope to avoid the choke in 2015.
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South Africa intensified preparation for their opening match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 against Zimbabwe with a thorough training session at Seddon Park in Hamilton on Friday. (Complete World Cup coverage | Fixtures | Teams | Players | Venues | History)
The Proteas spent nearly four hours honing their skills with bat and ball in comfortable and warmer conditions compared to Christchurch, and seemed determined to leave no area unattended in preparation for Sunday's match. (The enigma that is South Africa)
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Proteas bowling coach, Allan Donald, says the excitement is building around the team as the opening match draws closer and the intensity in preparation takes a shift. (Kohli, Steyn in King Viv's 'Must-Watch' List)
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"I remember getting on the bus at Christchurch and AB (De Villiers) just said 'now is the time to lock in'," he said. "Everyone is excited, especially arriving at the ground for this training session today. We know it is right on the doorstep now and we are very eager to get on with it." (South Africa pin hopes on golden generation)
South Africa are wary of the unpredictable nature of the Zimbabwean side, but carry good confidence and insight following their successful tour across the border in August.
"We did some homework, had good meetings over the last couple of days, especially this morning strategizing around that," Donald said.
"That was a good little exercise in Zimbabwe; we know we are going to face a lot of spin, they base their cricket around that. They have some dangerous players like Williams and Masakadza to name a few. That's really what we expect from Zimbabwe, tough and gritty, they find a way. They are a team that never sort of goes away."
Donald says the bowlers will need to strike early upfront in the PowerPlay overs, particularly in Hamilton which has small boundaries and high second innings scores.
"This ground in particular is very small," he explained. "A lot of sides have won here chasing quite comfortably. That is why we have the emphasis on the first 10 overs. We have to hit Zimbabwe hard if we bowl second."
Farhaan Behardien remains the only injury concern for the squad following a tight lower back injury sustained earlier in the week.� He batted unrestricted on Friday but remains symptomatic whilst bowling. He will be monitored and treated, with a final call on his availability set to be made closer to the match.
South Africa ICC Cricket World Cup Itinerary:
15 February - South Africa v Zimbabwe, Seddon Park, Hamilton
22 February - India v South Africa, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
27 February - South Africa v West Indies, Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney
3 March - Ireland v South Africa, Manuka Oval, Canberra
7 March - Pakistan v South Africa, Eden Park, Auckland
12 March - South Africa v United Arab Emirates, Westpac Stadium, Wellington
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