Denesh Ramdin anticipates challenging tour against South Africa

Denesh Ramdin

Johannesburg, Dec 4 (IANS/CMC) West Indies captain Denesh Ramdin made it clear he was under no illusions about the huge task facing his side in the three-Test series against World No.1 South Africa.

"It's going to be a tough tour for us," added the wicketkeeper, who took over the helm in June, reports CMC.

"Our last memories of being here was that we won the first Test match but then didn't show the fight and determination throughout the series so hopefully we can take some experience from them and play some positive cricket going forward from here on."

The Caribbean side's record against the Proteas (South Africa) does not make for good reading.

In fact, they have not beaten South Africa in a Test series since the one-off Test in Barbados 22 years ago, that signalled the end of South Africa's isolation from the international game.

On their last trip here seven years ago, the West Indies won the first game in Port Elizabeth but suffered heavy defeats in the next two Tests to concede the series. Ramdin said it was important his players adapted quickly to the conditions.

"We have to get acclimatized to their pitches as quickly as possible. They have a very strong bowling line up and when our batters come up against them, we have to settle down and bat long and don't give them opportunities with the new ball to get the middle and lower order in (too early)," he pointed out.

"We have not been playing as consistent cricket as we would have liked to play, so on this tour we'll try to let that motivate us. We need to play some good cricket here but it is going to be tough mentally."

The West Indies have had a rough ride in recent series. They lost heavily on away tours of India and New Zealand and also lost to the Black Caps in the Caribbean earlier this year.

As expected, they pummelled minnows Bangladesh in September but now have not beaten a top flight side in five years. Ramdin said there were simple objectives being set for the team during the series.

"It is very important that guys who get set don't leave it up for other players. If you get a hundred you should score a big hundred. It is very important you do that as you keep the opposition out of the game," he explained.

"Guys who get wickets need to keep their form up, and expose the middle and lower order of the South Africans. The new ball is going to be very important."

The first Test bowls off at Centurion on December 17.