Ahead of the highly anticipated Test series, former Proteas skipper Faf du Plessis has outlined the factors that make South African pitches difficult for India to bat on. In order to perform successfully in Test matches in South Africa, batsmen need to learn to leave well to do well.
After a great T20I and ODI series, Team India is all set to kick off their start in two-match test series starting on December 26.The past two times the two teams played three Tests each, India did have a decent opportunity. Even though South Africa prevailed in the first two games in the 2018 leg, the visitors gave up the series after leading 1-0.
In the next leg, Team India, who has failed to win a Test series in the rainbow nation, will be smelling blood. India has a bowling squad of world class players, so Rohit Sharma and company will be hoping to cross that last barrier.
“The key to doing well in South Africa is to understand the art of leaving”-Faf du Plessis
Faf Du Plessis said in an interview with The Indian Express that batters need to adjust to the bounce here, while in India they hit the ball on the up, and that a few of the visiting batters are not accustomed to the bounce.
“It’s the bounce. There is almost one full hand of extra bounce here, compared to what they usually face in India. They are used to hitting the ball on the up there, but with the bounce on offer and lateral movement, there is additional risk at play if you haven’t done it before and are not used to the lift. The key to doing well in South Africa is to leave well and be there for a long period,” he elaborated.
Faf du Plessis clarified that batsmen need to be very aware of the South African conditions, particularly while playing short-pitched deliveries. He also added that batsmen need to know how to play the short balls with the extra bounce and how well you leave them.
“I remember the 2018 series, where they ran us close. They left the ball really well then and that is the key to be a successful Test side in South Africa. You have got to be patient and respect the conditions at all times. You need to have a good plan as to how you play the short balls with the extra bounce and how well you leave them,” he added.
“Runs on the board will be gold to have a good chance of winning”-Faf du Plessis
According to Faf Du Plessis, India is a dangerous Test team, and if they can put up respectable totals, their bowlers should give them a fair chance to win. He said if they manage to score some runs, then their bowlers have the ability to do the remaining work.
“Runs will be gold. When you have runs on the board, you will invariably have a good chance of winning. India obviously have a lot more experience than South Africa and they are a dangerous Test side. If they manage some runs, the bowlers can work around it,” he explained.
The exciting 1st Test match between India and South Africa starts on December 26 at the SuperSport Park, Centurion.