After a lethargic and below-par display in the Test series against Sri Lanka, the Proteas must rediscover their mojo before a crucial five-match one-day international series against the same opponents.
The Proteas lacked fizz and zip against the Lankans in the longer version of the game, when the visitors clinched a historic 2-0 series win.
If they take to the field for the ODI series with the same lacklustre attitude, the Proteas can expect more defeats.
With the World Cup in England looming, there will be plenty at stake for both sides as they fine-tune their preparations.
South Africa have a dreadful World Cup record, and hopefully they can shake off any hangover that may be lingering after their Test series defeat.
The Lankans, previous World Cup champions, will be tough opponents and this is the sort of preparation that the Proteas need.
Captain Faf du Plessis believes it would be premature to bring fresh faces into the South Africa top-order batting lineup.
After being thumped by eight wickets in the second Test at St George’s Park in Port Elizabeth, Du Plessis said there was a bit more to it than making wholesale changes and has called for cool heads in the wake of the Test defeat.
SA batting coach Dale Benkenstein said the team had been complacent heading into the series.
This is a shocking indictment on the senior Proteas management who are responsible for making sure that their team is primed for every challenge in the international arena.
Proteas fans will be demanding more of their heroes and these highly-paid players owe it to them to lift their performance.