The 3-match Test series between India and South Africa (India vs South Africa Test Series, 2021-2022) is starting from 26 December. The first match will be played at Centurion Ground. Before the start of this series, former fast bowler Makhaya Ntini of South Africa cricket team has challenged Team India.
Makhaya believes that Team India, who have come on the tour to win the first series win on South African soil, will not be able to win. Whereas, former veteran player Allan Donald believes that it will be a tough test for the South African team, full of inexperienced players, against the bowling of Jasprit Bumrah and Co.
Cricket pundits believe that the Indian team, which has not won a single series on South African soil so far, is a contender to win the series this time. Significantly, in the 2018 tour, Team India had to face 1-2 defeat in the Test series. The team that defeated India’s team included great players like AB de Villiers, Faf du Plessis, Hashim Amla, Vernon Philander and Dale Steyn.
Makhaya Ntini, who played for South Africa in the 2001 and 2006-2007 series against India about 20 years ago, said in his statement, “This time India’s bowling attack is looking better. But the players of South Africa team understand the conditions of their home ground better. I believe this matters. We will have the advantage of playing at home ground. Our players know the wicket very well. And, we are sure that for this reason we will get an edge over them (Team India).”
On the other hand, the great player Allan Donald said that whichever team will bat well, they will win this series. It is worth noting that about 30 years ago, Allan Donald played an important role in the Test series played against India in 1992-1993 (India vs South Africa Test Series 1992-93 Allan Donald). Apart from this, he also performed well in South Africa’s Test series win against India in 1996-97.
Alan Donald said, “The line-up of both the teams is very good. The bowling of both the teams is very strong. It is clear that there will be a batting test for both the teams. He said, “In the last few sessions, certain players in the batting department of our team have fallen short. It cannot be denied that the fact that this (South Africa team) is a team full of young batsmen and the Indian bowling attack will test those batsmen.
Donald said, “I believe that this will decide the result of this series. We haven’t scored many runs in the last few sessions. And that will be a big challenge as well. If we (South Africa team) manage to score more runs, then there is no doubt that we have bowlers who can take 20 wickets. But, Allan Donald also admitted that in recent years, Team India has certainly worked hard to achieve success in overseas tours.
Donald further said, “Over the years, Kohli (Virat Kohli Captain Indian Cricket Team) has always believed that you cannot be considered a great team unless you win overseas. And they have certainly worked hard in this area. You saw him (Team India) win the tour of Australia. Also, saw him reach the finals of the World Test Championship. The current Indian team is a tremendous team. And I am looking forward to seeing this challenge.”
– Vinay Kumar