Bavuma Acknowledges India’s Bowling Ahead of Test Series

As South Africa braces for the two-match Test series against India at SuperSport Park on Tuesday, skipper Temba Bavuma acknowledges the formidable challenge posed by India’s bowling attack, despite the hosts holding the advantage. Despite the absence of Mohammed Shami due to injury, India boasts a potent fast-bowling department with Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Mukesh Kumar, complemented by world-class spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.

Bavuma stated, “Being home conditions, we understand the advantage it has, and we expect us to adapt a lot better, but the Indian bowling attack is quite strong. The fact that they have been able to achieve so much success in Tests over the past five years is because of their bowling attack.”

The skipper recognizes the added motivation for South Africa in the farewell series of veteran opener Dean Elgar. Bavuma expressed, “Where Dean is in his career just adds to the sentiment of the series. Dean will be celebrated as much as we can within our team. We hope that he’s celebrated accordingly by South African cricket and the public.”

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Maintaining an unbeaten home record against India is a source of pride for the Proteas, and Bavuma emphasized the team’s commitment to preserving it. “There’s a lot of pride attached to that – that we’ve been able to keep that record intact as a South African team… all of us as players also feel that.”

Despite the pride, Bavuma acknowledges the unique challenges of playing against India, with increased scrutiny and attention. He highlighted the skill factor on the field and the determination of the Indian team to secure a Test series victory in South Africa.

“For me as a batter, the bowlers are going to put you under pressure, and their batting line-up as well, they’ve got renowned Test players and guys who performed in all conditions. They are a determined team as well, who want to be able to say they’ve won a Test series here in South Africa. So with that extra bit of drive and motivation, we’ll need to be at our best.”

–IANS