McLaren says Proteas must adapt to conditions at Bay Oval ahead of NZ ODI-series

South African all-rounder Ryan McLaren has said that their squad must adapt to the foreign conditions as soon as possible, ahead of the ODI series against New Zealand starting at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Tuesday.

The Bay Oval is a relatively unknown ground, with a single ODI between the Netherlands and Canada to its name, but would reportedly offer the South African squad an opportunity to improve on their growing away-record which stands at nine wins out of 11 this year.

McLaren said that having spoken to the guys that have played there in the past the general perception is that the wickets there tend to be a bit slower, adding that in saying that, having seen what has happened in past ODI matches, the wickets have looked good with good pace and carry, Sport24 reported.

McLaren said that that ground that would be foreign to most of the teams and it would be important to assess the conditions as quickly as possible and to try to plan from then. He added that as a professional team, South Africa has to be able to adapt as soon as possible, irrespective of what is placed in front of them.

The South Africa cricket team reportedly arrived in Tauranga on Wednesday following a long flight schedule from Johannesburg via Sydney and Auckland. The itinerary has accommodated a substantial period to adapt to the time zones and conditions ahead of the opening ODI in four days.

McLaren said that it has been great to settle in there for the last few days, and added that a few of the boys have been trying to shake off the jet-lag but generally it seems like everyone has acclimatised quite well.

The all-rounder, who has made a full recovery from the fractured forearm he sustained during the triangular series match against Australia in Zimbabwe in August, also said that they have been fortunate with the weather, which has been quite pleasant, considering that they were expecting a bit of cold.

McLaren said that the mood in the camp is good, the guys have had two training sessions which they have eased into, and added that they would look to increase the intensity going into the match.