Warner comments a boost: Domingo

Proteas coach, Russell Domingo, says the positive energy has given his squad the edge heading into the deciding Test, and hopes his players will be able to play to their full potential after a marked improvement in the second Test.  

"A breakfast area a day after winning a cricket game and losing one are two totally different areas," Domingo explained to the media on Wednesday afternoon. "Winning is important, no matter how you try not to emphasise the importance of winning because you want to focus on your processes.

"The general vibe around the team after a good win has so much more energy than after a loss. There is a lot of tension after a loss, reflection and what-ifs, but after you win you try and emphasise the reasons you have been successful. There is a good energy around the side; guys know that they have played more to their potential, probably not their best, but to their potential in the last Test match."   

A key department that will have to improve for the Proteas to perform at their clinical best will be the fielding, which has been a let-down in the first two matches. 

"We always pride ourselves in our fielding," Domingo said. "We have generally fielded well and taken some great catches but it's like everything else in the game. If you put one or two down there is always a little bit of anxiety around it; it's the same thing with the referrals. It's part of the game and it's going to happen, nobody does it on purpose, you just have to try and focus on the next ball. It is something that we are a little bit aware of and are trying to improve on every single day." 

The Proteas held their first training session at fortress Newlands on Wednesday afternoon, and fondly recollected memories from their eight-wicket win over Australia in 2011. Even though the majority of Australia's squad featured in the 47 all-out slump, Domingo said memories of the match wouldn't be a major concern for the visiting team. 

"I don't think it makes too much difference," Domingo said of the scarring. "They have played great cricket between that Test match and over the last few months. I'm sure they will probably look at the highlights over the next couple of days and see what happened. There will be a little bit of anxiety but that is part of it." 

Domingo also dismissed David Warner's jibes at the Proteas, and described the allegations as "disappointing" 

"It's always a bit disappointing when guys throw those sort of accusations around," Domingo admitted. "We are a seriously motivated team and i suppose he has added 10% towards our motivation levels after the comments he has made. 

"We pride ourselves on playing the game as openly and as honestly, so those comments have definitely motivated us."

(File photo:Gallo Images)

- Lerato Maleketu