Cricket: SA skipper happy with test build-up

By Richard Boock

CHRISTCHURCH - In stark contrast to New Zealand's preparation for the second cricket test, South Africa could hardly be happier with their build-up.

The tourists put the finishing touches on their test countdown at Lancaster Park's No 2 ground yesterday, following another decidedly useful tour match against New Zealand A at Lincoln.

Like the three-dayer against Northern Districts before the first test, South Africa were able to provide their top-order batsmen with good opportunities to occupy the crease at Lincoln, while a couple of their test bowlers - and Paul Adams in particular - had a solid workout in the field.

Skipper Hansie Cronje admitted yesterday he still had reservations about Adams' form, but was generally pleased with the way his side were preparing for the test.

"I'm still a little concerned about Paul," Cronje said after practice yesterday.

"He didn't take the wickets we hoped he would in Auckland, nor in the three-day game against New Zealand A.

"But overall, we've got to be happy with our preparation. We're not too inconvenienced through injury. Allan Donald [stomach strain] seems okay and so does Jacques Kallis [toe problem]."

Cronje confirmed that left-arm spinner Nicky Boje, who was struck directly in the ribcage area while fielding as a substitute in the first test, had sustained a sprung rib cartilage which would keep him out of cricket for the next week or so.

"But Nicky wasn't in our first test team so that's not a huge concern for us in terms of this [second test] match," he said.

"I know that when you lose a few players through injury it tends to cause a few disruptions in your build-up, and I guess New Zealand is having to work through those problems.

"But we've tried to concentrate on our own side's preparations, and at this stage we couldn't be happier."

Cronje's initial reaction to the Lancaster Park pitch was that it should provide more help for the South African seam attack than was the case at Eden Park.

"The track here looks good. I'm a batsman so I must say I didn't mind the Auckland pitch at all, in fact I enjoyed it. But from a seamer's point of view, I'm sure our bowlers would prefer a shade more help from the pitch, and it appears they'll get it down here."