Proteas rearing to go

BRIDGETOWN – Determined to live up to their new status as the world’s top-ranked team, South Africa will be aiming to put World Cup debutants Ireland firmly in their place.

Injury scares to all-rounder Justin Kemp and batsman Herschelle Gibbs were unlikely to have dented the confidence of the African side after it became clear that the duo had not suffered any long-term damage. Kemp was left grimacing in pain after he was struck on his big left toe by fast bowler Charl Langeveldt during a nets session on Sunday, while Gibbs injured a finger in a fielding drill.”Their injuries are more of a soft tissue and ligament nature, there is no damage to the bone and they shouldn’t be affected too much,” South African team doctor Mohammad Moosajee told reporters on Sunday.Although Kemp and Gibbs could miss the match against Ireland in Trinidad, it would have done little to ease the daunting task that lies ahead for Ireland.South Africa became the world number one ranked limited-overs team last month when Australia lost their one-day series against New Zealand 3-0.Nampa-ReutersKemp was left grimacing in pain after he was struck on his big left toe by fast bowler Charl Langeveldt during a nets session on Sunday, while Gibbs injured a finger in a fielding drill.”Their injuries are more of a soft tissue and ligament nature, there is no damage to the bone and they shouldn’t be affected too much,” South African team doctor Mohammad Moosajee told reporters on Sunday.Although Kemp and Gibbs could miss the match against Ireland in Trinidad, it would have done little to ease the daunting task that lies ahead for Ireland.South Africa became the world number one ranked limited-overs team last month when Australia lost their one-day series against New Zealand 3-0.Nampa-Reuters