Erwee relives the toughest of Proteas Test debuts, reveals moment that gave him goosebumps

Proteas opening batter Sarel Erwee didn't have a binary start to his Test career, but was quick to acknowledge the high degree of difficulty he faced in the first Test against New Zealand last week.

Erwee made 10 and 0 at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch as the Proteas were on the receiving end of an innings and 276-run hiding.

The excoriating result, SA's second-worst defeat in Test history, will remain secondary to the emotions Erwee experienced when he walked to the wicket for the first time.

The 32-year-old from Pietermaritzburg said he remained cool and collected for the better of his preparation, until the time he had to walk out to bat. 

"I was very relaxed and I think it helped that I'd been with the squad for four Test series. It made for easier integration and the understanding of standards," Erwee said.

"I was very focused, but very relaxed at the same time with not a lot of nerves. The only time I had goosebumps was the time I walked out to bat with Dean Elgar.

"I mentioned that to him, but I didn't have a heart rate that spiked up, which was cool. I had mentally prepped and I had visualised for a while what the situation could be like.

"It was a cool experience."

Erwee didn't have Elgar's infamous Test debut experience of a pair, but Elgar, now the most experienced player in the team and captain, was on the winning side against Australia in Perth in 2012.

Erwee's maiden showing was overshadowed by a collective batting malfunction, but he said the conditions were the toughest he's faced in his career.

"I don't think many players have a debut like that," Erwee said.

"Also, from a conditions perspective, they were the toughest I think I'll ever get to face, but it was an incredible experience, either way, to be tested like