When a Test match is in the balance, those T20 vibes go out the window, says Ashwell Prince

South Africa’s first Test against Australia in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle begins on October 9 at Kingsmead, Durban. The series arrives after South Africa claimed the preceding ODI series 2-1, setting up a high-stakes red-ball contest. Australia returns to South African soil for the first time in nearly eight years, bringing a squad featuring four bowlers ranked among the world’s top 10.

Ashwell Prince, South Africa’s batting coach, addressed the media on Tuesday, October 6, ahead of the opening Test. Prince made his Test debut against Australia at the Wanderers on February 22, 2002, scoring 49 and 28 in that match as Australia won by an innings and 360 runs in three days. He brings direct experience of facing Australian cricket at the highest level and now shapes South Africa’s preparation against the touring side.

“In the game today analysis of the opposition is massive. There’s lots of data points and lots of video footage. All of that is prepared and handed to the players. That department also has developed over the years. Back in the day we would spend hours as a whole team in a meeting, filtering through all of that information. That has become more specific,” said Prince.

“They players know who they’re going to be up against. And not every player wants to watch every variation that the bowler can bowl; spending too much time on detail. At the end of the day you have a very good understanding of their skill set. They have very good records as bowlers. They’ve been around for a long time and have had lots of success. That’s obvious. So you know you’re coming up against a good team. But we are also a good team,” he added.

There’s an appetite to be involved in Test squad: Prince

South Africa’s squad preparation has faced complications ahead of the first Test. Five South African bowlers have been struck down by illness in the lead-up to the match. Kagiso Rabada participated in a warm-up match held in Durban on September 30 and October 1, where he bowled effectively, though his final selection for the XI remained to be confirmed at the time of Prince’s press conference.

“Everybody wants to be a part of T20 and the perks and financial rewards it brings, and that’s fair enough. But with the WTC success and continuing on a good run since then, there’s an appetite for players to want to be involved with the Test squad,” Prince said.

Scoring against Australia will give belief: Prince

Prince emphasised the psychological and competitive differences between T20 and Test cricket, drawing on his own playing experience against Australia. The intensity of red-ball cricket against a traditional rival creates a distinct environment where friendships and camaraderie take a back seat to competitive focus.

“If you can do something against Australia early in your Test career it settles your mind whether you’re able to cut it at that level. There are other challenges in cricket – going to the subcontinent and playing against spin bowling, for instance. But if you can get a score as a young player or as a new player against Australia it does a lot for your belief and self-confidence,” said Prince.

“Australian cricket is more than just the XI on the field. There’s a mentality to it. They want to be on the front foot with an aggressive style of play. They’re all big buddies. But I can promise you that when a Test match is in the balance those T20 dressing room vibes, where everybody loves each other, go out of the window pretty quickly,” he concluded.