Indian cricket team have started their preparation for the three-match Test series in South Africa. They have performed well in their last two overseas tours, in Australia and England, and the team is looking to win a Test series in South Africa for the first time under Virat Kohli's captaincy.

Former India pacer Zaheer Khan believes the fast bowlers are going to enjoy the pitches in South Africa as it assists them, but every bowler is going to face the challenge of keeping themselves fit in the high altitude.

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"When you are playing in Johannesburg, you have the challenge of adjusting to the altitude (1,753 m). That's one challenge every bowler has to face. The high altitude tests your fitness. Apart from that, fast bowlers really enjoy bowling in SA because there is always something in their pitches for them right through the Test. I am sure our bowlers will relish the challenge," Zaheer told Hindustan Times.

Zaheer spoke on the success of Mohammad Shami and called him a game-changing bowler for India. He said that Shami is an important bowler as he provides key breakthroughs at crucial stages of the match. 

"Watching his success gives me a great high. His journey has been fantastic; in fact, all Indian pacers have developed into fine bowlers. Shami has got a terrific record and is one of the leaders of the pack. The best part about him is that he provides crucial breakthroughs at crucial times," said Zaheer.

"He is a game-changing bowler. I have always judged myself as well as other bowlers on the ability to prise out 2-3 important wickets in a spell that can potentially change the game. Shami has that ability. Not surprisingly, he is an important part of our world-class pace attack," he added.

(With Hindustan Times Inputs)