EVENLY MATCHED Proteas fast bowler Dane Paterson (pictured) asserts that South Africa are not underdogs against Australia in the WTC final at Lord's. Picture: Nokwanda Zondi, BackpagePix
Image: Nokwanda Zondi, BackpagePix
While many will fancy Australia as the favourites in the World Test Championship (WTC) against South Africa, Proteas quick Dane Paterson believes otherwise.
The WTC starts on Wednesday at Lord’s, in London, and Paterson, who has played seven Tests for SA, said the conditions will be foreign for both sides.
With no hint of rain predicted for the first two days of the clash, making the most of the best batting conditions could prove pivotal.
Using the dukes cricket ball could take some adjustment, but if they are asked to bowl first, the Proteas attack led by Kagiso Rabada would be up to the task, believed Paterson.
Paterson Champions South Africa's Winning Culture Under Shukri Conrad's Leadership
“We don’t feel we are the underdogs. Both teams are heading into unfamiliar territory — Lord’s, the slope, the dukes ball, it’s all a bit different from what we’re used to with the Kookaburra,” Paterson told SportsBoom.co.za.
“I definitely don’t think we’re second best. Yes, we believe we can win. Every South African team has that willpower and drive. We know what’s at stake and this is a shot at the Mace, the gold medal of Test cricket. We’re playing for the people back home, and that brings us massive motivation.”
Since Shukri Conrad took charge of the SA cricket teams across all three formats after the resignation of Rob Walter as the limited overs coach in April, a new era in Proteas cricket could be dawning, believed the 36-year-old Paterson.
“The players set the tone in the environment, but Shuks is a brilliant coach. He’s fostered a culture where performance comes from confidence, not pressure.
“There’s a smooth transition coming. The values from the Test side with the unity, clarity, belief which will carry over to the white-ball teams. Shukri has a way of bringing the best out of players.”