Proteas ready for the World Cup: Donald
Proteas bowling coach Allan Donald says the excitement is building around the team as the opening match draws closer.
"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," he said.
The Proteas are wary of the unpredictable nature of the Zimbabwean side, but carry 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 strategising around that,"
"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 continued.
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. 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," he added.
Farhaan Behardien remains the only concern for the squad following a tight lower back injury sustained earlier in the week.
He batted unrestricted today but remains symptomatic while bowling.
He will be monitored and treated, with a final call on his availability set to be made closer to the match.
The tournament taking place Down Under starts tomorrow with Australia taking on England at 5.30am our time.
The Proteas kick their campaign off with Zimbabwe on Sunday at 3am SA time.
(File photo)