South Africa captain Temba Bavuma has spoken about the challenges his team will face in the Test series against India. He said they will have conditions in their favor but was quick to admit that the opposition’s bowling line-up diminishes the advantage they have.

“Batsmen win you games, bowlers win you tournaments/series,” a similar quote must be followed if India has to imagine its chances of winning the series against South Africa. In particular, the pacers must take a big step forward for the team and lead it to glory.

The Indian pace bowling unit in recent years has given the opposition nightmares even in their own backyard. One of the main reasons behind the team’s success in overseas conditions has been the fast players and the same is expected of them this time around.

South African conditions traditionally help pacemakers more. The Indian bowlers will undoubtedly enjoy the conditions there and if they use their full potential, India can surely win the series and etch their name in the record books.

Temba Bavuma admitted that India’s bowling line-up is very strong and highlighted the success they have had. He added that a lot of them would depend on how their hitters tackle them. Speaking to reporters, he explained (quoted by ESPNCricinfo):

“We understand the conditions a lot better, so hopefully we adapt a lot better, but their bowling is quite strong. The fact that they have been able to achieve such success is down to their bowling attack and that negates the advantage we have. It’s more between the hitters and how the hitters take on that challenge.”

India will be without the services of Mohammed Shami in the series. But the likes of Mukesh Kumar and Prasidh Krishna are expected to take their place. The focus will be on how Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj will approach the business.

IND vs SA: That involves a lot of pride: Temba Bavuma on South Africa’s unbeaten run at home against India

India has not won a series against South Africa in Tests so far. Opposition captain Temba Bavuma would be aware of this fact and would hope to keep that record intact. The Proteas will certainly be the favorites to win.

Temba Bavuma acknowledged that unbeaten record, but admitted that playing against India will be a big challenge for them. He added that their main focus is how they will address the challenges that India will throw at them. He added:

“There is a lot of pride attached to that – being able to keep that record intact as a South African team… all of us as players feel that too. But we understand that playing against India comes with certain challenges and it is those kinds of challenges that we would like to focus on. Playing against India means having a lot more eyes and a lot more scrutiny on everything we do. So it’s accepting that.”

Temba Bavuma further added that India is determined as a Test team and his team must give their best to win the series. He elaborated:

“And the other, more obvious, is the skill factor on the field. For me as a batsman, the bowlers will put pressure on you and their batting line-up too, they have big name Test players and guys who performed in all conditions. They are also a determined team, who want to be able to say that they have won a test series here in South Africa, so with that extra drive and motivation, we will really need to give our best.”

The first inter-team test will be played in Centurion on December 26. The last time these teams played at this venue, India emerged victorious.