Bavuma confident SA can put Indian bowlers under pressure

SA skipper Temba Bavuma during a practice session at Eden Gardens on Saturday. Pic/AFP

Both India and South Africa face their toughest test yet. While Temba Bavuma knows where the danger is most likely to come from, he wanted to wait for a more conclusive threat assessment.

"Those are bowlers who, if it swings, they'll exploit the swing; if there's nip, they'll do the same," the South African skipper said of India's trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj. "If it means we have to be a lot more compact early on, so be it," he added before reminding that the conditions will dictate how the Proteas will play.

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"You really got to be on your A game with that new ball," he said, but was quick to remind that the threat from India's bowling unit doesn't end with their seamers. "Kuldeep Yadav has bowled very well and has been taking wickets, in conjunction with Jadeja. They've been quite the key in that middle phase," Bavuma pointed out, promising a good response. "I think we've played spin quite well, so it'll be a good test for us against that challenge."

They have also noted a soft underbelly that they hope to exploit. "India only have five bowlers, so they can be put under pressure if one of their bowlers is not having a good day," he said.

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The Proteas want to keep it simple as they face the challenge. "We want to control our space, stick to the processes, prepare as well as we can and cover all our bases to make sure that we're not surprised by anything."

Eden Gardens has a special place in South Africa's journey. It was in this noisy cauldron that Kepler Wessels & Co played SA's first match on their return to international cricket post-apartheid. "There's a lot of excitement within our group over playing at this ground, but obviously, the more important thing is coming up against India, who are an in-form side. We too are an in-form side and we look forward to the opportunity to test our skills against this Indian team," said the skipper.