Petersen's proud first home test

THE test match between South Africa and New Zealand starting at Axxess St George's this morning will be a special one for Alviro Petersen.

The Proteas opening batsmen was born in Port Elizabeth and spent most his formative years playing for Gelvandale Cricket Club.

Petersen has played 20 tests for South Africa, but this weekend he walks out to bat in his first test in his home town.

"It is pretty special to play here... but there are more important things from a team point of view where we want to make sure we play good cricket like we did last year and we did this year," said Petersen, adding he and the team were looking forward to vociferous home support.