Key players to battle it out for India, SA
Onus on India to withstand pace assault from hosts.
MS Dhoni will be looking to his bowlers to score a win against South Africa as the first Test starts today. PHOTO: BCCI
JOHANNESBURG:
With Sachin Tendulkar’s retirement and inclusion of inexperienced batsmen, South Africa is keen to give India tough competition in the two-match Test series which starts at the Wanderers Stadium on Wednesday.
“Obviously they’re extremely talented but touring in other parts of the world is a big test,” said South African captain Graeme Smith on Tuesday.
Asked whether his bowlers would seek to intimidate Indian, Smith said his team would adopt the same approach that had taken them to number one in Test rankings.
“Both first innings are probably going to be tough. There’s a bit of moisture in that wicket and some good cracks. Hopefully there will be good pace and bounce.”
On the other hand, India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni sounded optimistic before the start of the match, “One of the most crucial things will be to bowl well. Lack of experience would not be a negative for India,” Dhoni said adding not getting too technical is the key.
While South Africa start as favourites India is not far behind as the captain has indicated their veteran left-arm bowler Zaheer Khan’s return to international cricket after more than a year will bolster the team.
“He (Zaheer Khan) is very experienced and can be the leader of the pack,” said Dhoni.
Khan has dismissed Smith 12 times in international matches and said last week that all he needs to get the South African captain again is to show up.
Smith, however, says he would not lose any sleep worrying about past dismissals.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 18th, 2013.
With Sachin Tendulkar’s retirement and inclusion of inexperienced batsmen, South Africa is keen to give India tough competition in the two-match Test series which starts at the Wanderers Stadium on Wednesday.
“Obviously they’re extremely talented but touring in other parts of the world is a big test,” said South African captain Graeme Smith on Tuesday.
Asked whether his bowlers would seek to intimidate Indian, Smith said his team would adopt the same approach that had taken them to number one in Test rankings.
“Both first innings are probably going to be tough. There’s a bit of moisture in that wicket and some good cracks. Hopefully there will be good pace and bounce.”
On the other hand, India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni sounded optimistic before the start of the match, “One of the most crucial things will be to bowl well. Lack of experience would not be a negative for India,” Dhoni said adding not getting too technical is the key.
While South Africa start as favourites India is not far behind as the captain has indicated their veteran left-arm bowler Zaheer Khan’s return to international cricket after more than a year will bolster the team.
“He (Zaheer Khan) is very experienced and can be the leader of the pack,” said Dhoni.
Khan has dismissed Smith 12 times in international matches and said last week that all he needs to get the South African captain again is to show up.
Smith, however, says he would not lose any sleep worrying about past dismissals.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 18th, 2013.