South African pace bowling legends Allan Donald and Makhaya Ntini have shared their views on the upcoming much-anticipated three-match Test series between South Africa and India, starting with the Boxing Day Test at Centurion on Sunday, December 26.
India has not won a Test series in South Africa, and Ntini predicted that the Indians would return empty-handed once again, while Donald admitted that the Proteas have a strong bowling attack, but their inexperienced batting unit is a concern for the hosts.
Ntini said in a CSA release: “India has a very good bowling attack this time around, but the Proteas know the South African conditions better. This for me will be key. We’ve to back ourselves because we have that home advantage. Our players know the wickets very well and that will give us the edge.”
Donald said: “Both teams line up really well, both have strong bowling line-ups and that will mean the batting on both sides will be tested. Our batting has lost some key players in the last couple of seasons. There's no hiding from the fact that it's a young line-up and they will be tested by the Indian attack.”
The legendary cricketer added, “For me, that is where the series will be decided. In the last few seasons, we haven't scored enough runs and that will be the challenge. If we can put the runs on the board, we undoubtedly have the bowlers who can take 20 wickets.”
He also mentioned India’s success overseas in Test cricket over the recent years and said he is looking forward to the Test series.
Donald added, “(Virat) Kohli's comments a few years ago were that you'll never be classed as a great side if you don't win away from home and that has been something he really worked towards. You saw them win in Australia and also reach the WTC (World Test Championship) Final. This is a quality Indian team that is here. I'm looking forward to it.”
Meanwhile, Ntini said that South Africa has the home advantage against India and feels the hosts would maintain their winning record at home.
He further explained, “There's nothing better than playing at home in familiar surroundings, especially against a very good India team. We have the likes of (captain) Dean Elgar and Temba Bavuma, who have the ability to dig in and score big runs and I also like the way that Rassie (van der Dussen) has come in and grown in that team. Then we also have a guy like Quinny (de Kock), who we know will not hold back. He will play his natural game.”
Ntini concluded, “Then when it comes to our bowling attack, we have a settled unit and one that can definitely put India under pressure. We still have that stranglehold over them because they've never won here and I don't think that will change. It will mean a lot if we can win, but I'm hoping to see some good cricket.”
(With PTI Inputs)
