'Start is crucial': Former SA greats on India Test series
What's the story
Former South African cricketers Graeme Smith, Hashim Amla, and Faf du Plessis have emphasized the importance of a strong start in the upcoming two-Test series against India. The first Test starts on November 14 at Kolkata's Eden Gardens. While Amla believes both teams have similar bowling attacks, Smith stressed that South Africa's top-order batsmen must perform well.
Fresh faces
New faces in South Africa's batting line-up
Amla suggested that the presence of some new faces in their batting line-up could work in South Africa's favor. He said these players wouldn't carry the "baggage" of past tours, especially considering South Africa's poor record in India since 2010. Smith also highlighted the importance of a good start for South Africa, especially with their recent struggles against Indian spinners on previous tours.
Match conditions
Smith on the importance of a good start
Smith expressed hope that the 1st Test in Kolkata would be a good batting pitch, offering value for runs. He said a full stadium could motivate South African players to perform well. "I think it's crucial on these types of tours that you start well," Smith said at an SA20 event in Mumbai. "If you get behind the game in the subcontinent, it's very difficult to fight your way back."
Series strategy
Du Plessis agrees with Smith
Du Plessis agreed with Smith, saying a good start would give South Africa confidence and help them perform better throughout the series. "I feel generally your best chance at having success here (in India) is when you start the series well, especially as a batting unit," du Plessis said. He stressed that starting strong would make the rest of the series easier for South Africa.
Past tours
South Africa's recent success in the subcontinent
South Africa's recent success in the subcontinent includes a 1-1 draw in a two-Test series against Pakistan. Du Plessis said, "The guys have played really well in the subcontinent in the last 12 or 14 months when they've gone to Pakistan." He also noted that their spin attack for includes the lethal trio of Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer, and Senuran Muthusamy. According to ESPNcricinfo, they took a combined 33 wickets on their recent tour of Pakistan.
Game strategy
Amla on importance of scoring runs
Amla stressed the importance of scoring enough runs to let bowlers apply pressure. He said, "I think it's the batting and the ability to get bigger runs on the board to allow your bowlers to exert that pressure is very important." He also pointed out that many players in South Africa's squad are inexperienced in India, which could be an advantage as they wouldn't have any past tour baggage.
Information
A look at SA Test squad
SA Test squad: Temba Bavuma (captain), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, and Kyle Verreynne.