The spectacular peaks of the Swiss Alps is perhaps not the first place you would imagine seeing a cricket team, but that is exactly where South Africa have been preparing for their upcoming series with England.
After their brief Alpine jaunt the Proteas have now touched down on these shores clear in their objective – the number one Test ranking.
Bar a brief four month spell in 2008 the top spot has eluded South Africa ever since their re-introduction to international cricket in 1991.
That failure to reach the pinnacle merely adds weight to the infamous argument put forward by several news sport networks that South Africa choke when it matters.
Despite possessing some of the game’s most gifted players they have consistently frozen when it matters at ICC major tournaments and, it seems, in crucial Test matches. Though a mention of the word choke is likely to draw a frosty glare and fizzing barb from captain Graeme Smith.
In a bid perhaps to rid themselves of those mental scars coach Gary Kirsten took them to the mountains, with the hope they will free their minds before travelling to England refreshed.
"It was a good three days in terms of breaking down mental barriers and getting the mental confidence to come away and to perform on tour in England,” said Smith.
And those who bet on sports reckon they will put up more of a fight than the limp Australia team we are seeing in England at present.
Andrew Strauss’ Test side hold just a one point advantage at the top of the ICC rankings ahead of the three-match series, that begins at the Oval on July 19. Smith appears determined to lead his side up that small yet significant step.
“We have been touching the top of the rankings for a long time now," he added.
"We come here with a degree of quiet confidence. We have performed well away from home for a period of time now.
"We've been top two and top three for a long time and are now very close to the pinnacle.”
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