CAPE TOWN: South Africa coach Russell Domingo has said on the eve of their Test series against the West Indies that he had to do some extra homework against a team without experienced stalwarts Chris Gayle, Darren Bravo and Darren Sammy, who retired from Tests in May.

“We haven’t played a Test since our tour to Zimbabwe in August so that is nearly five months,” Domingo told reporters.

“It gives us some time away from the white ball to re-energise that aspect of our game; we have played a lot of ODI cricket over the last year.

“We need to do our homework on them. West Indies cricket has a proud reputation and a proud record.

“We know that they are one of the best one-day sides in the world and they are a team that will be desperate to do well in the test format.”

Proteas opener Dean Elgar, who is a replacement in the opening positions for the retired Graeme Smith, believes the side is at peace with the loss of their former captain and Jacques Kallis, who retired from international cricket last season, and are looking forward to the years ahead under new skipper Hashim Amla, who debuted in the role in Sri Lanka in July.

“That era has come to an end now,” Elgar said.

“The guys who are in the team appreciate what has happened and are mature and professional enough to understand that it’s the time for another opening pair to start things out,” he added.

Published in Dawn December 16th , 2014