Alma says South Africa do not intend to underestimate West Indies

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, , CMC - Captain Hashim Alma says South Africa do not intend to underestimate West Indies when the series against the tourists from the Caribbean get underway here in two weeks.

The eighth-ranked West Indies come into the series with six losses from their last 10 Tests, but Amla believes Denesh Ramdin’s men would provide a good contest for the Proteas.

The first test match of their tour begins on December 17 in Centurion.

“There’s definitely no need to be complacent against the West Indies. They are a team that has a lot of explosive power, they play colourful, exciting cricket,” Amla said in Johannesburg on Tuesday.

“There’s no reason for us to hold them in any lighter esteem. We’ve got a good squad and the strength of our team is concentrating on what we do well.”

South Africa have come off a 4-1 ODI series loss away against Australia last month.

However Amla is optimistic that their 50-over struggles against the Aussies will not return to haunt them against their West Indian rivals.

“I don’t think any of the baggage [from Australia] will follow us,” he said.

“Test cricket is a largely different format from one day cricket. Being at home with the team we have — an almost developing Test team — I don’t think that series will impact us.”

The second test starts on Boxing Day, December 26th; the final test is due to start January 2nd at Capetown while three T20s and five One Day Internationals (ODI) will follow.