South Africa is missing the bulk of it first string lineup for the upcoming test series against New Zealand. Photo: AAP / www.photosport.nz
The lack of test experience is galvanising the Proteas ahead of their upcoming two test series against the Black Caps.
The bulk of South Africa's leading male players are committed to their domestic Twenty20 tournament meaning the Proteas have arrived in Christchurch with a virtually unrecognisable lineup.
Missing leading players include Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee and Nandre Burger.
They'll be captained by batsman Neil Brand who will make his test debut against New Zealand in the first test at Mount Maunganui which starts on February 4th.
Eight of the squad have yet to play a test.
"We are all aware of why the side is what it is," said coach Shukri Conrad
"We made peace with it a long time ago. It's a conversation that has been well ventilated... so if anything it has been used as a galvanising agent.
"We are here as a Proteas side - we are not a second or third rate side."
Conrad said his squad has a lot of first class experience and lot of motivation and doesn't regard themselves as underdogs.
"I don't think any South African likes to be regarded as an underdog and we are certainly not assuming that underdog tag... they are itching to get going."
Proteas coach Shukri Conrad. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
Conrad said an A series against the West Indies a couple of months ago has served the team well in allowing the players to get to know each other.
"We are going to give a really good account of ourselves. We are not here to participate. We are hear to compete."
New Zealand have never beaten South Africa in a test series and this series would seem an ideal opportunity to achieve that milestone but Conrad says that only further adds to his side's motivation.
"The fact New Zealand have never beaten us in a test series looms large and its a proud feat that we won't easily surrender."
South Africa have a three day warm up match against a New Zealand XI in Christchurch starting on Monday before the first test.
