Amid a lot of anticipation, South Africa are all set to start their much-awaited Test series against India in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday (October 2).
On the eve of the match, Proteas skipper Faf du Plessis addressed the media and said that he has “learnt” his lessons from the disastrous tour of India four years ago. He also hoped the team’s young members will emerge as improved cricketers after the current Test series.
South African batsmen were bamboozled by the Indian spinners during the 2015 Test series. While the visitors had lost the four-match series 3-0, Du Plessis himself had a torrid time, amassing just 60 runs from seven innings.
“What Test cricket in general does to you is if there is a flaw in your game, it exposes it. Obviously last time we came here as a batting unit and personally myself found it difficult in tough conditions. The fact is that I needed to get better from a defensive and technical point of view to adapt to play in tough conditions,” Du Plessis told reporters.
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He is among the five squad members who had featured in the 2015 series. The others were Kagiso Rabada, Dean Elgar, Temba Bavuma and Vernon Philander.
“It was tough for everyone, but it was huge value for me. After that I started playing spin better. So I think all players have to go through tough times to make them better and understand where their potential weaknesses are. And then either you can disappear or come back stronger,” the captain added.
For this tour, South Africa roped in India’s domestic veteran Amol Muzumdar as a batting coach.
“It is a different language, different mindset and it is really refreshing to have someone with local knowledge. He has been with us for a short time and we already have had some good conversations.
“The wickets spun more last time, this time it is not expected to turn as much. It was really dry back then and we struggled despite having an experienced line-up and now we have a young looking line up, so there is no baggage.
“These youngsters are motivated to do well in international cricket and this tour will be no different for them,” Du Plessis said.
The series will also see South Africa starting their World Test Championship campaign and the skipper is looking forward to the challenge.
“It is a good time to be involved with a young team. A lot of senior players are out and leadership group has changed completely. Time to grow new leaders, the next set of pacers, the next Hashim Amla. I am excited about that.”
(With PTI inputs)
