Follow UsIndia isn’t an easy place to tour, but if any team knows how to get a favourable result in the country, it is South Africa. Across two tours back in the early 2000s, South Africa went back home, drawing the series against India 1-1. But since then, it has been one-way traffic every time the Proteas have visited India.
The last of which came in 2019/20 when the Proteas were trashed 0-3 in the three-match Test series. However, their skipper, Temba Bavuma, hopes for a different result this time around, especially considering how their spin unit has developed.
“Bowling has always been a strength of ours as a team. Now, we’re probably even better poised with those spin resources. We have Tristan Stubbs as well, if we do need another off-spinner, he can come in with something different,” Bavuma told the media, reported The Indian Express.
In South Africa’s last Test assignment against Pakistan, the spin trio of Simon Harmer (13 wickets), Senuran Muthusamy (11) and Keshav Maharaj (9) picked up 33 wickets in between them. Bavuma is confident that the trio could have a similar impact against India.
“You need the bowlers to be able to take 20 wickets, right? I think now we’re quite confident in our ability and if the conditions are saying that spin is the threat, then at least we have the resources.
“I think as a South African team, I don’t think we’ve won a Test series here in India for a long time. So, I think there’s a massive opportunity there and I think there’s a big target on our backs as a South African Test team. I think there’s expectation on us (as world champions),” he further added.
However, the challenge will be quite different for South Africa, given that the two Tests against India would be played at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata and Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati. Despite those tough challenges in front of them, Bavuma believes that the Proteas will put their ‘best foot forward’.
“It’s always tough playing in India. You’ve seen the young talent that has come in. The guys come in, they are all filling the boots. It is a big task,” Bavuma said.
“Those guys you mentioned have performed over a number of years for India, and they’ve put India on the map of where they are. But yeah, we’ll prepare as well as we can, understand the challenges that we’ll find here, and strive to put our best foot forward."
The first of the two Tests begins on November 14 (Friday) at Eden Gardens.