All-rounder Jacques Kallis says that South Africa are ready for their battle for Test cricket supremacy in a three-match series against England, despite what some critics believe has been inadequate preparation time. South Africa, aiming to knock England off their perch as the number one-ranked Test side, have had only one two-day game and one three-day match — both of which were rain-affected — but Kallis said the team was nevertheless “in a great space”.\ “The guys feel that if the Test match started a couple of days ago it would have been perfect,” Kallis said at the Oval on Tuesday. “As far as preparation is concerned the guys have got exactly what they wanted out of it. Today (Tuesday) and tomorrow (Wednesday) are just top-up days.” Kallis added that he expected the series to boil down to which team played the key moments better, with the two sides boasting probably the two best bowling attacks in world cricket. “It’s going to be an interesting battle to see who comes out on top. Both sides have got good batters as well. It’s going to be a fantastic series.” He insisted the South Africans had not picked out any England bowler as a particular threat. “You’ve got to respect every bowler and every ball that comes your way. We will have to be on the top of our game to make sure we don’t give away any soft wickets.”
Anderson ready for stern South Africa test
James Anderson believes England will have to be patient as never before if they are to maintain their world number one Test ranking against a South Africa side who are masters of playing under pressure. South Africa will replace England at the top of the International Cricket Council (ICC) rankings if they emerge victorious in a three-Test series that gets underway at The Oval here on Thursday.