Down 0-2 in the three-Test series, SA coach is hoping a series loss will lift his side against Australia
Down 0-2 in the three-Test series, SA coach is hoping a series loss will lift his side against Australia
South Africa coach Mickey Arthur is hoping the pain which accompanies a series defeat will galvanise his side for the third and final Test against Australia.
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South Africa's Jacques Kallis evades a bouncer during the second Test against Australia in Durban recently. pic/AFP |
The Proteas have lost the opening two Tests in the three-match series against Ricky Ponting's resurgent side, meaning only pride is on offer tomorrow in Cape Town.
Speaking to the Cape Times, Arthur admitted the hosts were well below par in the opening two encounters, but was hoping for a reaction at Newlands. "It really is disappointing to have lost this series, and we have no excuses as Australia deserve all the credit for the cricket they have played. But we take a lot of pride in our performances and won't give up without a fight."
"We were really hurting in Durban as many of the players in this team have not lost a Test series before, but I told them you cannot be an international cricketer if you haven't tasted defeat and I'm sure that will spur the boys on this week."
Arthur also feels the "family" atmosphere within the national set-up will help.
"This team has always been like a family. This mustn't be interpreted as a negative, it's just that they've been that close. And I know that as long as players keep playing for the team, always willing to play for each other, this team will bounce back.
"I'd hate to see it when guys become too individually orientated, where players are looking to do well only to grab the individual headlines. The ethos within the team is what carries this group through and it will again."
