Since winning the historic World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord’s in London, the Proteas have faced Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. The world champions won both Tests at Queens Sports Club. 

However, those matches did not form part of the new WTC cycle. Their title defence officially begins now.

Aiden Markram. Photo: Cricinfo

The Proteas are confident and eager to get stuck into the longest and toughest format of the game. At the same time, they’re mindful while they may be the current custodians of the mace, it’s a fresh championship – and Pakistan are never easy to beat in their own conditions.

Stand-in captain Aiden Markram said it will be a proper test, and the team is ready for whatever Pakistan throws their way.

“You always get excited for a new cycle, and the previous one obviously went quite well for us – we managed to put the cherry on top, which was really special. 

“But I think you have to look at it now – it’s another two to three years of playing good Test cricket to lift the trophy again. That’s where most of the focus has been. Naturally, we’re also looking forward to the challenges Pakistan will bring on spin-friendly tracks. 

“For a team not often exposed to those conditions, it’s exciting and a great opportunity for us to get things right.”

Pat Cummins and Kyle Verreynne collide during the WTC final at Lords’. Photo:  Cricinfo

“We’ve tried to put a lot of the focus there and ultimately aim to put together five days of solid cricket for the first Test.”

Wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne, who hit the winning runs against Australia at Lord’s in June, told OFM Sport the team is ready for action. “Yes, I think the mood is quite good.”  

“As a Test side, we’re coming off quite a successful home summer and a solid previous cycle. Pakistan is obviously a tough place to tour, but the way this team has gone about things over the last 18 to 24 months has been really positive. It’s an exciting challenge.”

The first ball of the opening Test between Pakistan and South Africa is scheduled to be bowled at 07:00 on Sunday at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg