South African skipper Faf du Plessis is ready to lead the young team for the first Test match on 2nd October. South Africa was badly defeated in 2015 Test Series played in India. The skipper is not able to forget that four-match Test series where India beat the visitors by the 3-0 margin.
It will be a special series for the visitors as they will play their first Test match after the disappointing ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. It will be more special because South Africa will play with an almost inexperienced player. Faf du Plessis reminds the defeat of 2015 and says that they have learnt from their previous mistakes.
Read More: Shreyas Iyer Signs Bat Endorsement With CEAT Ltd
“What Test cricket, in general, does to you is if there is a flaw in your game, it exposes it. Obviously last time we came here as a batting unit and personally myself found it difficult in tough conditions. The fact is that I needed to get better from a defensive and technical point of view to adapt to play in tough conditions,” du Plessis said.
Amol Muzumdar will help the team: Faf du Plessis
To get a better understanding of the field and local conditions, the South African team has hired Amol Muzumdar as the batting coach for the Test series. Faf Du Plessis expresses that Muzumdar will help the team to better understand the pitch.
“It is a different language, different mindset and it is really refreshing to have someone with local knowledge. He has been with us for a short time and we already have had some good conversations.”
Last time South Africa had more batters but this time the team has more bowlers. The skipper opines that the bowlers will prove more beneficial according to past experience.
“The wickets spun more last time, this time it is not expected to turn as much. It was really dry back then and we struggled despite having an experienced line-up and now we have a young-looking line-up, so there is no baggage.
“You need more than three or four bowlers. Generally taking 20 wickets wins you Test matches.”
Skipper has confidence on Keshav Maharaj
Faf du Plessis is among the five squad members who toured India in 2015. He shares his experience and gives logic that spinner can be profitable. He has confidence in spinners like Keshav Maharaj that he can trouble the Indian batsman.
Read More: Sachin Tendulkar: Jasprit Bumrah Will Be Missed But Indian Team Has Back-Up
“In the past teams visiting India used reverse swing and extra pace to their advantage. Last time here we felt the ball spun quite a bit and the spinner we have in Maharaj is as good as anyone in the world. He would just be much as a challenge for Indian batters.”
Meanwhile, there are reports that it will rain on the first day of the Test match which can spoil the match.