Batting coach Justin Sammons has outlined some of the Proteas’ plans for a prompt response to heavy defeat to New Zealand earlier this month.
South Africa lost the series opener by an innings and 276 runs, inside three days, at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
The Proteas were bowled out for 95 and 111 to New Zealand’s 482.
The second and final Test will start later this week, at the same venue.
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“The first 30 to 40 overs is key and if we can get to that point relatively unscathed we know we are going to be in a position where the game takes on a different complexion,” said Sammons, who was appointed in August 2021.
“We need to be decisive in our decision-making. We need to leave well. They were strong in their defensive positions and we need to be as strong as we can defensively but that also comes from having a positive mindset.”
Sammons wants to follow NZ’s example
South Africa’s highest score in the match was batsman Temba Bavuma’s 41 in the third innings. New Zealand enjoyed a century from batsman Henry Nicholls, 49 from nightwatchman Neil Wagner, 58 from tail-ender Matt Henry and 96 from wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Blundell.
“New Zealand’s batters left extremely well, their defensive positions were strong and their game plans were very clear. They looked to score square of the wicket when we bowled short and not looking to play with a straight bat away from their bodies,” added Sammons.
“They pounced on anything loose. Those are the lessons we can take from the way they went about their business. It is about going back to the basics. It is about working on game plans and the technique that allows us to get to that point.”