Raina eager for South African challenge

Indian batsman Suresh Raina's hold on the No. 6 spot in the Test side has become less secure after managing only 26 runs in four innings against New Zealand, but he remains confident of turning in a strong performance on the tough tour of South Africa, beginning next month.

"It is a very important series, and a big challenge, for me," he told the Times of India. "Though I have played there before, it has been only in the ODIs and Twenty20."

South Africa have a formidable record over the past four years, losing only one series since the reverse in Sri Lanka in July 2006, and Raina wasn't expecting an easy tour. "Self-belief, confidence and mental discipline will be the key to success in South Africa," he said. "I am looking forward to the challenge because when you do well against good teams, you get appreciated for having done well. This is also why you want to play international sport."

His Test career got off to a dream start with a debut century against Sri Lanka in July, though he has found the format to be more challenging in the two home series that followed. "To succeed in Tests, your temperament is more important than your technique," he said. "How you handle pressure situations and how you work your way out of trouble through grit and courage is also important."