Castle Lager Proteas seamer Rory Kleinveldt says the second Test against Australia late last year was a significant moment in his young international career, and he is looking to draw on that experience.
Kleinveldt was speaking after yesterday’s training session as he prepares to make his third Test appearance in the second Sunfoil Test match against New Zealand at Axxess St George’s in Port Elizabeth.
Misfortune for Vernon Philander is an opportunity for Kleinvedlt, who will have another shot at furthering his international career.
“It was important for me,” Kleinveldt said about the Test in Adelaide. “It was a tough learning curve for me, obviously playing on flat pitches against good opposition was a massive step up for me from domestic cricket, I learnt a lot from that.”
The PE surface will test the bowlers, who have had discussions about the expected low and slow conditions and will be coming up with new plans to exploit them.
Kleinveldt says the visitors will take some hope from their fight-back in the second innings so starting well will be important.
“It’s tough to come back from being bowled out for 45 but I thought they batted really well in the second innings, they came back nicely. I think their confidence will be quite high coming off the second innings so we are going to have to be on the money.”
Morne Morkel will share the new ball with Dale Steyn in the absence of Philander, with Kleinveldt assuming a back-up holding role.
