Captain Dean Elgar admitted that the Indian pace bowling attack has improved immensely in overseas conditions while lauding pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. Elgar said that Bumrah is one Indian bowler who can definitely exploit the South African conditions.
India have never won a Test series in South Africa, despite winning three Tests across six tours, but are primed for their maiden Test series win in South Africa. Bumrah made his Test debut in the 2018 series and has gone on to become one of the leading bowlers in international cricket.
‘Bumrah is a world-class bowler’
In a virtual media interaction, Elgar acknowledged the Bumrah threat but said the whole Indian attack will be tough to face.
“He (Bumrah) is a world-class bowler. If there is one bowler who can exploit South African conditions pretty well, it would be him. But again, we don’t focus on one guy. India as a whole is a pretty, pretty good side.
“They’ve been a pretty good side for the last two to three years and have toured very well of late,” said Elgar, who was the only one alongside Virat Kohli to average more than 40 in the 2018 series.
Elgar said senior bowler R Ashwin has not had too much success in South Africa but he remains one of the best spinners in world cricket.
South Africa had their training at the Wanderers till Tuesday while the Indians trained in Centurion.
“India has been an immensely improved bowling line up especially playing away from home as well. We’re very mindful of what we’re going to be up against.
“Being in South Africa I would like to think we’re a lot more accustomed to our home conditions. So I will rather be sitting here knowing that than possibly sitting in the Indian dressing room knowing that they have to face our bowlers.”
South Africa have been dealt a big blow ahead of the series opener with Anrich Nortje being ruled out due to injury. Kagiso Rabada will lead the attack in the company of Duanne Oliver, who has returned to play for South Africa after the end of the Kolpak deal in the UK, and Lungi Ngidi.