‘Don’t see India winning’

India players during the second Test against New Zealand at Wankhede earlier this month. Pic/A

Former pacer Makhaya Ntini doesn't see India winning their maiden Test series in South Africa, while the great Allan Donald feels the Proteas' inexperienced batting will be tested by Jasprit Bumrah & Co.

The first Test begins in Centurion from December 26. India are primed for their maiden success in South Africa, having lost 1-2 in 2018 when the hosts boasted the likes of now-retired AB de Villiers, Faf du Plessis, Hashim Amla, Vernon Philander and Dale Steyn.

"India have a very good bowling attack this time around, but the Proteas know the South African conditions better. This for me will be the key," Ntini, who featured in the 2001 and 2006-07 home series against India, said.

"We have to back ourselves because we have that home advantage. Our players know the wickets very well and that will give us the edge."

Donald, on the other hand, says whichever team bats better will win the series. He was a central figure in the 1992-93 series against India and also the 1996-97 series win on home soil.

"Both teams line up really well, both have strong bowling line-ups and that will mean the batting on both sides will be tested," said Donald.

"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."

Donald, who claimed 330 wickets in 72 Tests for South Africa, said that India have worked really hard for success in overseas tours. "[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." Nitni, who took 390 wickets in 101 Tests, has a different take on the two teams.

"There's nothing better than playing at home in familiar surroundings, especially against a very good India team," he stated. "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.

In a nutshell, he feels South Africa will maintain their winning streak at home.

"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."

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