Old Trafford hasn't been a happy hunting ground for South Africa with only one win from their previous nine visits to the iconic ground in the five-day format.

South Africa's only win in the North-West of England was in a three-wicket win over the English in 1955.

The Proteas spinner, Keshav Maharaj, said they are not dwelling on past results at the ground.

“There are not many people who have played a Test here at Old Trafford, which is a good thing.

“To have that youth and energy and with people coming here with a clean slate as such. If you have a look at the Lord's Test, it was pretty much a similar situation where I think only a handful of us had actually played there previously.

“Having the youngsters around you and motivating you, while also not carrying any baggage from previously, helped a lot.”

Play on day one is scheduled to get under way on Thursday at noon.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport