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The Pathan brothers, Irfan and Yusuf, on their bumper bids at 2011 IPL auction and what they could expect from their new teams

Tariq Engineer08-Jan-2011Among the big winners on the first day of the 2011 IPL auction were the Pathan brothers, Yusuf and Irfan, whose combined bids totalled US$4m. While Yusuf, who was bought by the Kolkata Knight Riders for $2.1m, was always expected to attract one of the highest bids, Irfan commanding $1.9m was something of a surprise.Irfan is still recovering from a back injury and hasn’t played competitive cricket since last season’s IPL (almost nine months ago). Yet, there was strong interest from five franchises at the auction, with Delhi Daredevils ultimately emerging victorious over Kings XI Punjab, which had bought Irfan in the 2008 auction for half of what Delhi paid this time around.”It is a very good start to 2011,” Irfan told ESPNcricinfo. “People think I am an important player. I am very pleased. It is a great feeling for the whole family.”Irfan, who watched the bidding live on television, admitted the high price tag would only add to the scrutiny of his performances as he targeted a return from his injury, but said it was all part of the game. “To be very honest, the more money, the more pressure there is. [But] pressure will always be there, whether you are playing for your country, or playing domestic cricket.”I am feeling much feeling better. The way I am bowling, I will be able take any pressure.”Irfan was not selected in India’s 30-man squad for the upcoming World Cup because of his injury and while he expected to return to competitive cricket with Baroda for the domestic one-day tournament in February, he realised the IPL was his best chance of attracting the attention of India’s selectors ahead of India’s tours to England and the West Indies next summer.”It is a big platform for me. The whole world is watching it. Even though it is only a four-over game, people come to know what you can do. I want to play for my country. That is why I am working for hard. The best recognition you get playing for your country. It can’t be replaced by money.”Irfan had an impressive IPL in 2010, even though Punjab finished at the bottom of the table. He was the team’s third highest run-scorer with 276 runs at an average of 34.50 and a strike-rate of 148.38. He also took 15 wickets at a strike rate of 18.50 and an average of 28.40. He described his time with Punjab as “very memorable”, saying it was an experience he would cherish all his life, and called Preity Zinta, among the co-owners of the franchise, “an amazing boss”. He was also flattered that the franchise tried so hard to buy him this time around as well, but said now that he had a new team, it was time to look ahead.”Delhi has been a really good side in the IPL and been performing really well even though they haven’t lifted the cup. It is one of the biggest cities in India and has a larger fan base. I have played with Viru [Virender Sehwag] and I am looking forward to playing for Delhi.”Yusuf, too, said he was very pleased with the result of the auction, both for himself and Irfan, but added he wasn’t thinking as far ahead as the IPL as his focus was on the ODI series against South Africa and then the World Cup. He did, however, admit he would miss playing for Rajasthan Royals, for whom he scored a memorable 37-ball hundred against Mumbai Indians, an innings Shane Warne called the best he had ever seen.”Obviously I will miss Warne and Watson and the rest of team,’ Yusuf said. “At the same time, I have always enjoyed playing in Kolkata because the people there love their cricket, and are passionate about it. The atmosphere is great. This is a great opportunity. It will be a new team, new players, but I have played with many of them. It won’t be too difficult to adjust to the new set-up.”Yusuf said Kolkata had the makings of a good team and could potentially make the final with the likes of Jacques Kallis, Gautam Gambhir and himself. He tipped Gambhir, under whose leadership he played in the ODI series against New Zealand, where he made savage match-winning hundred, to captain the side. He was also looking forward to being part of a team owned by Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan.”Shah Rukh likes his cricket. Whatever match is there, he comes to the ground and watches. I will get to learn something new here.”

West Indies are 215 ahead with four wickets in hand, leaving the game intriguing poised going into the final day

The Report by Abhishek Purohit16-Nov-2012
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
Nasir Hossain fell four short of his maiden Test century•AFPSmart stats

Kieran Powell became the ninth West Indies batsman overall and the first since Brian Lara (2001) to score a century in both innings. George Headley and Clyde Walcott are the only players to achieve the feat twice.

Bangladesh’s total of 556 is their highest ever in Tests surpassing their previous best of 488 against Zimbabwe in Chittagong in 2005.

The number of fifty-plus scores in Bangladesh’s innings (5) is a record for the hosts. They have managed four fifty-plus scores in an innings on two occasions.

The 189-run stand between Darren Bravo and Powell is the second-highest second-wicket stand for West Indies in Tests in the subcontinent. The highest is 196 between Bravo and Chris Gayle in Galle in 2010.

Among West Indies bowlers who have conceded 100 or more runs in an innings, Sunil Narine’s economy rate (4.55) is the sixth-highest overall and the highest in a subcontinent Test. The 148 runs conceded is the highest by a bowler in an innings against Bangladesh.

As it often happens on the subcontinent, the first Test between Bangladesh and West Indies burst open with possibilities out of nowhere in the last hour on day four. From the safety of 209 for 1, West Indies lost 5 for 35 in the space of 13.1 overs. They still lead by 215 going into the final day, but with the ill Shivnarine Chanderpaul uncertain to bat tomorrow, there is hardly any batting left. Though it still looks unlikely, this may well be Bangladesh’s best chance to achieve what would be their first Test win against top opposition.They have already made a huge statement for a side playing its first Test in a year by posting their highest total, 556. It beat the 488 they had made against Zimbabwe in Chittagong in January 2005. They also took the first-innings lead for only the ninth time in 74 Tests as Nasir Hossain cut loose in the first session.After the euphoria of the morning, it seemed the final session would be a letdown for the vocal Mirpur holiday crowd when Kieran Powell and Darren Bravo motored towards a double-hundred partnership. However, Bravo’s dismissal was to start a cascade of wickets.Having batted with stylish authority for his 76, Bravo slashed a Rubel Hossain delivery to the wicketkeeper. The pitch, which had done next to nothing till now, suddenly made its presence felt. In the next over, Marlon Samuels watched in disbelief as a Sohag Gazi offbreak reared from good length, took the inside edge and flew to forward short leg.Despite Chanderpaul not coming out at his designated No. 5 position, Powell – who became only the second West Indies opener after Gordon Greenidge to make a hundred in each innings – and Denesh Ramdin seemed to have quietened things again. It was to be the interval amid the twin storms.Shakib Al Hasan, who had been carted around, struck in successive overs with arm balls – Powell edged one behind, Ramdin was trapped in front off the other. With no sign of Chanderpaul, debutant Veerasammy Permaul walked in. He drove Shakib for consecutive fours but the other debutant in the game, Gazi, bowled him off the last ball of the day with one that did not turn as much as the batsman expected. Darren Sammy survived two close lbw shouts from Shakib to round off the evening’s chaos, which hardly anyone could have foreseen given the way Powell and Bravo were going.After Chris Gayle fell cheaply to Rubel, Powell and Bravo grew in confidence to toy with the attack. Both used their feet well to spin, and slithered down every now and then to hit boundaries as the pitch refused to degenerate into a day-four subcontinent turner.Bravo drew more comparisons with his famous uncle as he dispatched Shahadat Hossain for fours through the covers. Powell drove and steered Rubel for three fours in the 50th over to become only the ninth West Indies batsman to make two hundreds in a Test. Powell should not have made more than 17, but Bangladesh squandered two opportunities when they put him down off successive deliveries in the 16th over off Shahadat.Shahadat had played his part with the bat in the morning, when he hung around for 29 deliveries to help Nasir carry Bangladesh past 550. The hosts made an emphatic start to the day when Mahmudullah punched the first delivery from Sunil Narine to the deep cover rope. Mahmudullah became the fourth Bangladesh batsman to go past fifty this innings, but also became the third to fail to convert it into a hundred when Narine got one to kick in for a catch to forward short leg.Narine’s first wicket had taken 158 deliveries, but he had the second four balls later when he bowled Gazi. Narine’s belated relief was also to be short-lived as Nasir took charge after Mahmudullah’s departure.Nasir started the day on 33 off 75 deliveries; he went on to take 63 off the next 61. What stood out in his knock was the calm manner in which he attacked the spinners, who were lofted and slog-swept for boundaries. But he was to join Tamim Iqbal and Shakib, both of who had fallen short of centuries earlier. Tino Best bowled a sucker ball, full, slow and wide outside off, and Nasir edged it to wide slip on 96.Nasir’s was the third wicket to fall today, and seven more were to follow to make it ten for the day. That was as many as had gone down in the first three days put together. The pitch might not have turned alarmingly, but this game certainly has.

West Ham United are interested in a deal to bring Ben Brereton Diaz to the London Stadium in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by ExWHUemployee, who revealed on a recent episode of The West Ham Way Podcast that David Moyes is interested in a deal to bring the Blackburn Rovers centre-forward in during the current transfer market.

However, the Hammers insider then went on to state that the Championship side are unlikely to want to part with the Chile international this month due to their lofty position in the second-tier standings – as selling the 22-year-old for a figure of around £20m would not be worth missing out on a shot at the Premier League.

On West Ham’s interest in Brereton Diaz, Ex said: “We like Diaz at Blackburn. I broke that [story] a month or so ago. [The fact that no move has materialised yet] doesn’t mean it wasn’t true, it just means that Blackburn – because they are right at the top of the Championship, having not been in the Premier League for years – why would they want to sell him at this point? You’ve got to factor that in.

“Getting up to the Premier League is worth more than £20m. If you get back into the Premier League the finances are huge. So these clubs will wait until the summer to see where they are before they make a decision on these players.”

Fans will be gutted

Considering just how impressive Brereton Diaz has been for Blackburn this season, in addition to the fact that West Ham are currently extremely short in depth at centre-forward, the news that the Hammers may not be able to get a deal over the line for the 22-year-old this month is sure to have left the London Stadium faithful gutted.

Indeed, over his 26 Championship appearances in the current campaign, the £9m-rated striker has been in remarkable form for Rovers, having already scored an astonishing 20 goals, registered one assist and created two big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.8 shots and making 0.7 key passes per game.

These returns have seen the £6.5k-per-week player who Tony Mowbray dubbed an “extraordinary” talent average a SofaScore match rating of 7.00, ranking him as Blackburn’s eighth-best performer in the second tier.

As such, with Moyes in desperate need of backup and competition for Michail Antonio in East London – with the injury-prone striker currently being the 58-year-old’s only option as an out and out centre-forward – a player who possesses the clear ability to find the back of the net such as Brereton Diaz would appear to be the perfect signing for the Scottish manager this month.

However, following Ex’s latest update, it would appear that, should Moyes indeed wish to pursue a deal for the 22-year-old, he will have to wait until the summer – something that will undoubtedly come as a gutting blow to the manager and his side.

In other news: Moyes can repeat Lingard trick with swoop for £6m “fighter”, he’d be “perfect” for WHU

Graeme Smith led the way in a strong South Africa display with his 22nd Test century to help his team reach a commanding 311 for 3 on the first day in Dubai

The Bulletin by Andrew McGlashan12-Nov-2010
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsGraeme Smith celebrates his hundred but he didn’t last much longer•AFPGraeme Smith led the way in a strong South Africa display with his 22nd Test century to help his team reach a commanding 311 for 3 on the first day in Dubai. He and Alviro Petersen used up a fair degree of luck in their stand of 153 before Hashim Amla and Jacques Kallis consolidated in professional style with a partnership of 117 as Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to make an impression in flat conditions.With no wickets falling in the first hour it became a day where the batsmen would have to get themselves out and both openers fell to careless shots, but South Africa never appeared in any real danger of their solid day’s work being derailed by a clatter of wickets. On current form there probably wasn’t a better pair than Amla and Kallis to build on a strong opening partnership. Such was their control that it was a major surprise when Amla’s concentration failed him four overs from the end with a flat-footed drive at Wahab Riaz, who then worryingly left the field, but Kallis remained entrenched on 53.Smith’s innings wasn’t the most fluent he’ll ever play, but he battled through a tricky start and was much more expressive during the middle session as he reached three figures from 151 balls. The stage was set for a massive contribution from the captain, but from his next ball he pulled a bouncer to deep square-leg and departed in disgust at the wasteful shot. However, on reaching three figures for the 20th time in charge of his team, he set a new landmark for captains, having earlier become the most prolific run-scorer among Test leaders.The Middle East is likely to be Pakistan’s home for a long time and the surface produced for Dubai Sports City’s first Test certainly resembled something from Karachi or Lahore. Barring some early movement there was nothing for the quicks and while signs of turn suggested the spinners will play a key role, for now there are masses of runs on offer.However, Pakistan, who made seven changes from their previous Test against at Lord’s for a variety of reasons ranging from suspension to Mohammad Yousuf’s late injury, should have had an early wicket which could have given the day a different complexion. In the third over Umar Gul produced a perfect leg-cutter which squared-up Petersen and took the edge to the new wicketkeeper Adnan Akmal – making his debut in place of the AWOL Zulqarnain Haider – only for Daryl Harper to turn down the appeal.The replays weren’t good for Harper as they confirmed a healthy edge and once again put him under scrutiny. There is no UDRS in this series with the PCB having been unable to come to a deal with broadcasters. With just two quicks in the side, Pakistan desperately needed an early breakthrough and deserved better for their opening efforts.Petersen made the most of his second chance with an increasingly aggressive innings. Spin was in the action by the 10th over and Petersen responded by skipping down at Abdur Rehman to chip him over midwicket and later repeated the dose with a sweet strike over mid-off as he reached fifty from 69 balls.The early part of Smith’s innings was more of a grind and he escaped a stumping opportunity on 12 when Adnan couldn’t glove a delivery from Rehman that spun between Smith’s bat and pad from the footmarks. It wasn’t the easiest of chances, but a Test-class wicketkeeper should have at least been able to make an attempt.Pakistan’s poor ground fielding also made an appearance when Azhar Ali couldn’t pick up the ball at short fine-leg as Smith struggled to turn mid-pitch having been sent back by Petersen. Smith had his problems picking Saeed Ajmal’s doosra, and also spooned a pull just over the head of midwicket shortly before lunch, but the first over of the second session marked a change for Smith as he struck the opening three balls through the off side for four.There was a definite attempt to increase the tempo and Pakistan were looking increasingly short of ideas when one of the worst deliveries of the day, a long hop from Rehman, was pulled to midwicket by Petersen where Younis Khan leapt and took a one-handed catch above his head. It was a rare moment of fielding brilliance from Pakistan, although they deserve credit for not completely falling apart under the weight of runs.Gul had deserved more with the new ball and Riaz produced a wholehearted display which included a well-directed bouncer to induce Smith’s final pull shot. However, Amla is currently in the form of his life and an effortless back-foot punch off Riaz was the early highlight of his innings and an almost inevitable fifty came from 93 balls. One attempt to go over cover nearly took a leading edge, but largely he used his feet with the confidence of a man at ease with his game.Nothing looked more certain than him being there in sight of a hundred in the morning, but Riaz’s late strike meant Pakistan could leave the field feeling a little more positive about life. However, with Kallis still there that feeling may not last too long.

Nathan Coulter-Nile has been squeezed out of the Western Australia XI for the Sheffield Shield opener because Mitchell Johnson cannot be relied upon to bowl in an economical fashion

Daniel Brettig11-Oct-2011One of the more promising young fast bowlers in Australia, Nathan Coulter-Nile, has been squeezed out of the Western Australia XI for the opening round of the Sheffield Shield because Mitchell Johnson cannot be relied upon to bowl in an economical fashion.Coulter-Nile, widely expected to push for higher honours in coming seasons, has been handed drinks duties for Western Australia in the match against Tasmania at the WACA ground, as Cricket Australia encourages its international players to take part in as much state cricket as possible.He was not chosen primarily because Johnson, playing at home for his state for the first time since moving from Queensland three years ago, is considered an attacking bowler too likely to concede runs in the search for wickets, despite his international pedigree and considerable experience.This is understood to have ruled a line through Coulter-Nile’s name because his own bowling is also geared towards aggression, and WA team management considered the risk of leaking runs was too great. Another factor was the absence of the young allrounder Mitchell Marsh on Australia duty, meaning the Warriors picked only four bowlers in the team to face the Tigers.Michael Hogan, Matt Dixon and the left-arm spinner Michael Beer were considered better options to support Johnson at the WACA ground, in an episode that recalled numerous selection dilemmas in the Australian team over the past four years.The inconsistencies of Johnson’s bowling have influenced Australia’s team balance for quite some time, forcing the selection of steadier pace bowlers around him and also piling pressure on a succession of spinners to be parsimonious in their methods despite lacking international experience.Johnson was available for the fixture because he has been dropped from the Australian Twenty20 team, having conceded too many runs during his most recent T20 appearances in Sri Lanka. He will depart for the ODI leg of the South Africa tour at the conclusion of the Shield match.At the age of 24, Coulter-Nile has played seven first-class matches for his state, claiming 32 wickets at 23.71 and also showing potential with the bat.He has been described by Mickey Arthur, the WA coach, as “the one player in this group who will definitely go on and play higher”, and bears more than a passing resemblance in method and physique to Ryan Harris, Australia’s outstanding bowler on the recently completed tour of Sri Lanka.

Some Glasgow Rangers fans have been left flocking to some news on Rangers B player Tony Weston.

As shared by the official Twitter page of Rangers B & Academy, the striker scored Rangers B’s fourth goal in a 6-0 win away at Vale of Leithen in the Scottish Lowland League in their last game of 2021.

Alex Lowry, Robbie Ure (two), Kane Ritchie-Hosler and Cole McKinnon also found themselves on the scoresheet for the young Gers, but it was Weston once more grabbing the attention of the Ibrox faithful.

After a hat-trick last month, the Englishman has been in fine scoring form so far this season, and certainly has promise at just 18 years of age.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst may now be thinking of a loan for Weston to play men’s football and further continue his development, or even bring him into the first-team squad with the view of giving him some game time.

Rangers fans on Weston goal

These Teddy Bears flocked to the news of the goal as it was shared on Twitter, with one Light Blues supporter even going as far as to call it ‘unbelievable’:

“Unbelievable how many goals this lad has. Must be on the cusp on promotion to 1st team squad?”

Credit: @dave_n84

“Shock Tony scores yet again”

Credit: @harricrowe

“Scoring for fun”

Credit: @WillieS38914473

“Boy seems to be a player”

Credit: @legendsofibrox

“Tony scores goals.”

Credit: @JHC17626935

“Can see him getting his call up to the first team very soon”

Credit: @strokecity61

In other news, find out who could now leave RFC in the new year here!

Kenya’s bowlers rose to the occasion of a series-decider to hustle Afghanistan out cheaply before their batsmen chased down the runs to seal a series win in the third ODI in Nairobi

ESPNcricinfo staff11-Oct-2010
ScorecardCollins Obuya steered Kenya to victory with an unbeaten 86•International Cricket CouncilKenya’s bowlers rose to the occasion of a series-decider to hustle Afghanistan out for 188 before their batsmen chased down the runs to seal a series win in the third ODI in Nairobi.Coming off the back of defeat in the four-day Intercontinental Cup game and the resignation of captain Maurice Ouma that followed, the result was a major boost for new captain Jimmy Kamande against one of the best Associate nations.Led by half-centuries from Alex Obanda and Collins Obuya, Kenya made light work of the modest target. Obanda, who made his debut three years ago, is one of the brightest batting talents in the county but was playing his first game of the series. He was content to take his time as he laid the foundation for the chase after losing opening partner David Obuya in the 12th over, while Collins Obuya attacked.The pair batted for the the best part of 30 overs, adding 143, to steer Kenya to the doorstep. Obanda cracked six fours and two sixes in his 116-ball 77 before he fell with victory six runs away. Obuya finished the job, ending unbeaten on 86 from 96 deliveries.It was an impressively assured performance from a batting line-up that was shot out for 139 in the second ODI but credit must go to the Kenya bowlers who set up the win after Afghanistan chose to bat.The visitors started well, with the openers racking up the 50 partnership inside 10 overs, before Kenya’s trio of medium-pacers – Nehemiah Odhiambo, Elijah Otieno and Thomas Odoyo – combined to derail the innings.Odhiambo had Karim Sidiq caught for 17 and Javed Ahmadi was run out two balls later. Odoyo then removed debutant right-handed batsman Noor-ul-Haq for a duck before Nawroz Mangal and Asghar Stanikzai fell by the wayside. Afghanistan had lost 5 for 16 in 36 balls, leaving them reeling at 69 for 5.Mohammad Nabi launched a hard-hitting counterattack to drag the score towards respectability but his 60 from 69 was not enough to restore Afghanistan’s hopes.

Leeds United are leading the race to sign young Aberdeen defender Calvin Ramsay, according to a report from journalist Gianluca Di Marzio.

The Lowdown: Ramsay impressing in Scotland

The 18-year-old is already making a name for himself in Scotland, being hailed as a defender who ‘loves going forward’ by former manager Paul Sheerin.

Indeed, Ramsay has made 12 starts in the Scottish Premiership this season, chipping in with an impressive tally of four assists from right-back to back up his manager’s praise.

It may be that the teenager’s future lies at a bigger club and it appears as though Leeds could now snap him up.

[freshpress-quiz id=“383507″]

The Latest: Leeds in ‘pole’

According to Di Marzio, the Whites are currently in ‘pole’ position to acquire Ramsay’s signature, with a host of clubs thought to be eyeing him up.

The Scot’s current Aberdeen deal doesn’t expire until the summer of 2024, so Leeds may struggle to sign him on the cheap, so they are allegedly eyeing a loan deal with an option to buy.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-33/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: One for the future

Granted, Ramsay wouldn’t be considered an immediate key man if he joined in January, or in the summer for that matter, but planning for the future is crucial.

At 18, he is already shining in his country’s top league and he could be someone who is viewed as a long-term replacement for Luke Ayling, who turns 31 later this year.

It would be a crying shame if Leeds failed to kick on beyond the Marcelo Bielsa era and returned to obscurity – signing talented youngsters like Ramsay could go a long way to avoiding that.

In other news, Leeds have been linked with a move for a club captain. Find out who it is here.

Leicestershire chairman Neil Davidson has accused coach Tim Boon and captain Matthew Hoggard of setting a poor example to the younger players at the club after the pair led calls for his resignation

Cricinfo staff24-Aug-2010Leicestershire chairman Neil Davidson has accused coach Tim Boon and captain Matthew Hoggard of setting a poor example to the younger players at the club after the pair led calls for his resignation.As Cricinfo exclusively revealed, Boon and Hoggard, backed by the playing, ground and administrative staff allege that Davidson interferes in team affairs and has made the club unattractive to new players. However, following an emergency board meeting at Grace Road on Monday, and a private meeting with Hoggard, Davidson denies the charge and believes the actions have set a bad precedent.”I think really the way the senior coach unfortunately got the captain into this and the senior players is setting a very poor example to our fine young players about how they should behave at a cricket club,” Davidson told Sky Sports News. “I like Matthew immensely it but I don’t think he’s thought this one through. I think Matthew has found himself in a very difficult position. The current situation is unsustainable so we’ll see how it all pans out.”Hoggard later released a statement of his own insisting he had taken his action in the best interests of the club. “As coach and captain, Tim Boon and I believe we have a duty to bring matters of serious concern to our employer’s attention and we did this privately and confidentially in recognition that this was and remains a matter for the board of Leicestershire county cricket club.”We conveyed the sincere and deeply held views of the players and staff of the Club to the Board and asked them to act appropriately in light of those concerns. We continue to urge them to do so.”Leicestershire finished bottom of the second division of the County Championship last year and though they have fared better in first-class cricket under new captain Hoggard this season – winning five matches – Davidson believes the poor performances in limited-overs cricket demands his attention.”I don’t interfere on a week-to-week basis, day-to-day basis, it’s when we lose matches we should win and we lost all our home games in Twenty20 this year bar one which was rained off. We’ve won two CB40 games so far this season and we’ve lost twice to Scotland.”The performances just aren’t good enough and these are revenue-generating areas of the club and for a small county we can’t afford to underperform. We’ve got one of the best set of youngsters in the country and I’m raising questions about the ability of the management to get the best out of those players.”

Raina remains confident of turning in a strong performance in the tough series against South Africa coming up next month

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Nov-2010Indian batsman Suresh Raina’s hold on the No. 6 spot in the Test side has become less secure after managing only 26 runs in four innings against New Zealand, but he remains confident of turning in a strong performance on the tough tour of South Africa, beginning next month.”It is a very important series, and a big challenge, for me,” he told the . “Though I have played there before, it has been only in the ODIs and Twenty20.”South Africa have a formidable record over the past four years, losing only one series since the reverse in Sri Lanka in July 2006, and Raina wasn’t expecting an easy tour. “Self-belief, confidence and mental discipline will be the key to success in South Africa,” he said. “I am looking forward to the challenge because when you do well against good teams, you get appreciated for having done well. This is also why you want to play international sport.”His Test career got off to a dream start with a debut century against Sri Lanka in July, though he has found the format to be more challenging in the two home series that followed. “To succeed in Tests, your temperament is more important than your technique,” he said. “How you handle pressure situations and how you work your way out of trouble through grit and courage is also important.”