Following their series-saving, morale-boosting victory over Pakistan in Rawalpindi, visiting South Africa trained on Tuesday with the specific goal of attacking spin and upsetting the bowlers’ rhythm in preparation for the first Test match against India, which begins on Friday in Kolkata.
After winning the second Test by 8 wickets, the reigning World Test Champions drew the two-match series 1-1 with Pakistan to start their new WTC cycle.
Before Simon Harmer (6/50) and Maharaj (2/34) bowled Pakistan out for 138, South Africa’s lower order, led by Kagiso Rabada’s career-best 71 and Keshav Maharaj’s 30, helped gain a vital lead as the team tottered at 235 for eight in response to Pakistan’s 333.
Temba Bavuma, the team’s fit-again captain, is leading the team for the first time since leading them to their first World Test Championship title in June. South Africa appeared energized during their first practice with their entire squad.
As they began an offensive net practice centered on combating spin, the intention was clear. Bavuma participated in short-range throw-downs, a drill intended to assess his reflexes and judgment as he recovers from an injury before moving on to main nets.
In the absence of Bavuma, senior pro Aiden Markram batted with purpose alongside opening partner Ryan Rickelton, concentrating on targeting the spinners. Markram had trouble converting starts against Pakistan.
The performance of the South Africa A team, which used experienced hitters Bavuma and Zubayr Hamza to chase down a 400+ target against India A in Bengaluru on Sunday, also gave them confidence.
The positive attitude of the seniors appeared to mirror that outcome. Top-order consistency is still an issue, though.
With 175 runs, including a century, Tony de Zorzi, who batted at Bavuma’s No. 4 position, was South Africa’s top scorer against Pakistan. The 28-year-old, who is regarded as one of their finest spin players, will play in his maiden game in India under the customary pressure.
The SA batters practiced attacking right away, concentrating on quick scoring, in order to adjust to subcontinental circumstances that worsen from day three. Dewald Brevis, who scored just 46 runs in the two Pakistan Tests, may be moved up in the batting order as a result of Bavuma’s comeback.
After a poor run, Tristan Stubbs, another batsman under scrutiny, had lengthy sessions across three nets, primarily against left-arm orthodox bowlers and off-spinners. Stubbs is vying with de Zorzi and Wiaan Mulder for a middle-order spot in an attempt to solidify his position after batting between Nos. 3 and 5.
In their previous trip of India in 2019, South Africa, who last won the Freedom Trophy at home in 2021–2022 by a score of 2-1, was defeated 0–3. Since the Proteas’ readmission in 1992, India and South Africa have faced off in 17 Test series, with home domination frequently defining the matches.
Eight series have been won by South Africa, five by India, and four have been drawn. With two draws (2010–11 and 2023–24) preventing India from winning a single series, South Africa has dominated at home, winning seven of nine series.
India has won five of the eight series at home with South Africa’s solitary victory in the rivalry coming in 1999–2000.
