After their stunning 2-0 Test series whitewash by Sri Lanka, the Proteas players know they have some bitter work to do.
I doubt that anything could have been more humbling than the pak slae at the hands of the Asians, who came here after a hiding in Australia that cost them their captain.
And while there will definitely be changes to the Proteas squad for their next Test assignment later this year, the focus is now firmly on the 50-over game and the World Cup in England which starts in May.
Already Faf du Plessis’ manne have gone 2-0 up with three ODIs to play in the five-match contest with the Lankans, but they haven’t been convincing.
The Proteas need to up their game big time and coach Ottis Gibson and the selectors may have to make some brave choices when it comes to naming the squad for their trip to the UK.
Obviously, the batsmen were the weak link in the Test series and Cricket SA only went with five recognised batters in the squad in the current series.
FORM PLAYER: Kyle Verreynne. PHOTO: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
For me that number sounds a little low, with only Quinton de Kock and Faf really coming to the party so far.
Perhaps with the last ODI on Sunday before the selectors can shuffle the pack, they will see what happens if they open with Rassie van der Dussen and move Reeza Hendricks down the order to No.4.
Whether that will see the return of Hashim Amla and Aiden Markram remains to be seen.
There are some form players in the 1Day Cup right now in young Sinethemba Qeshile, Kyle Verreynne and Keagan Petersen to bolster the middle order.
Hopefully they could breathe new life into the team.