We are determined to bounce back

The Proteas are 1-0 down in the three-match series following their heavy defeat at the Liberty Life Wanderers Stadium.

“We were pretty honest with each other after the first Test,” he said at a pre-match media briefing. “We didn't perform to the standards we have set ourselves over the last 18 months and that was disappointing. We have had a long, hard chat. The team is in very good space and they are determined to bounce back here.

“We have got two games to go and we are very confident that we can still win the Test series.”

Arthur also indicated that the Proteas would almost certainly field the same bowling attack although they have gone in with an all-seam attack at this particular venue in the past.

“I am not ruling out any option at the moment. It is likely we will play a spinner. We have played a spinner throughout our successful period of 18 months. Our spinner has brought a lot to the party and he has been an integral part of our attack.

“Overhead conditions will play an important part on the morning of the game. The amount of grass that is taken off the wicket will play quite an important role. I am not ruling out the option but, if all things stay equal, it is likely that we will play a spinner.

“I am sure a bit of grass will be taken off but the pitch is firm and hard. It looks exactly like you would expect to find a wicket two days out from the start of a Test match.”

Arthur also explained the rationale for inviting Daryn Smit, the Nashua Dolphins wicketkeeping leg spinner, to train with the side on Wednesday.

“We are looking to identify young players as we go forward and as we go around the country we will be inviting players from each franchise to train with us and learn what it is like to be in the environment around the national side.

“I believe AB brings a lot to the No. 4 batting position and that he is going to occupy this position for a long time in both forms of the game once Jacques Kallis decides to move on. If AB is going to keep wicket and bat No. 4, we are probably going to diminish his average by as much as 10. AB also has an unbelievable presence in the field.

“We obviously need to identify as another keeper. In the short term we could use AB at any time if there was an emergency but we need to identify a long-term replacement down the line.

“We need to keep on identifying young guys. We will probably do the same with Heino Kuhn when we get up to the Titans.

“I personally believe Mark Boucher is good for at least another two years and he will certainly go to the World Cup. Mark's performances out there behind the stumps are often underestimated and as a leader within our team he provides a huge amount of input.”

Although Lonwabo Tsotsobe bowled at the nets session on Wednesday, Arthur indicated that it would be too great a risk to play him as he could break down at any moment. “That is why we want him to have surgery as soon as possible as he has been very impressive since he has joined the national set-up and that way we will get him back as soon as possible. He will have surgery on Friday and will then require a three-month recovery period.”