Former Proteas opening batsman and captain, Graeme Smith said that Team India’s real challenge would be in South Africa. Graeme Smith also praised India’s performance and Virat Kohli’s captaincy over the last two years. However, according to him, Kohli and co’s real test will be in South Africa. The series will start early next year.
Graeme Smith in an interview said:
“India have been doing quite well in Test cricket. A lot can be attributed to how Virat Kohli has been playing Test cricket and inspiring team-mates. I think the conditions in South Africa will be very different and western for the Indian team. They have been playing either at home or in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean where the ball comes a bit slow. The conditions in SA will be the real test for the Indians.”
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Graeme Smith believes that it will be a battle to watch between Indian batsmen and the South African bowlers. South Africa have an intimidating bowling attack whereas India have a formidable batting unit. According to Graeme Smith, Dale Steyn’s inclusion would provide experience to the Proteas which would come in handy against the Indian batsmen.
Furthermore, to him, South Africa needs to score big against India because of their troubled batting unit. He urges South Africa to go with the right combination.
The series will begin on January 10, 2018. India will play two warm-up matches before this as well.