South African cricket captain Temba Bavuma is leading the full squad of the country’s national team in Kolkata, India on Monday morning ahead of the opening Test against India at Eden Gardens on Friday. Bavuma had been participating in the ‘A’ team’s unofficial Test series in Bengaluru. He was the last to arrive after the main contingency including head coach Shukri Conrad and pacers Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, reached on Sunday.
Middle-order batsman Zubayr Hamza also arrived in Kolkata after playing both ‘A’ matches in Bengaluru. Hamza, known for his prowess against spin bowling, impressed with two half-centuries, including a crucial 77 in the second innings of the final game. South Africa, the current World Test champions, will return to Test cricket in September next year with a three-Test home series against Australia, followed by another three-match series against England. Both teams are scheduled to begin their training sessions at Eden Gardens on Tuesday in preparation for the two-match Test series.
South Africa and Pakistan are both tough teams in the world of cricket. Both sides comprise professional players. These players are the most talented and focused in their field. India alongside the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand are all tough teams that are well-trained. There is going to be a lot of tough talent displayed on the cricket field and it all boils down to which team can overcome the other. Pakistani Middle-order batsman Hamza will be a challenge to beat due to his spin bowl expertise. Bavuma and the South African team will have to figure out a strategy to out wit him and the rest of his team. Australia and England also offer their own challenges. It may boil down to how long South Africa can stay in the International Cricket Championships (ICC) test matches.
South Africa aim to build momentum
South Africa, placed fourth with a 50 percent points percentage, showed positive signs when they drew their opening series against Pakistan. The Proteas will now look to carry that momentum into the two-match series against India. Any points picked up in India will be vital for their campaign before they move on to face Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka quietly in contention
Sri Lanka are sitting in second place in the standings with 66.67 percent points after a 1-0 series win over Bangladesh earlier this year. Pathum Nissanka has been their most consistent batter with 369 runs, while Tharindu Ratnayake has taken nine wickets. They will face Pakistan and the West Indies in upcoming series.
England, Pakistan look for consistency
England, placed sixth with 43.33 percent, and Pakistan, fifth with 50 percent, are both searching for consistency. England drew their opening series 2-2 against India at home. Pakistan, meanwhile, split a two-match home series against South Africa.
South Africa may well have a rough ride trying to beat Pakistan, Sri Lanka or even England. The Proteas may barely survive depending on how they oppose the teams they have to play against. The Sri Lankans, Pakistanis, and English are all experienced and highly skilled in professional cricket. Cricket is a sport that relies mainly on outmanoeuvring your opponents. How they move against their opponents depends on the strategy of the Proteas. There are winners and there are losers in professional sports and all teams will be employing their best skills to not be the losers. All teams are experienced but the number of winning teams is only one in the end. Everyone’s eyes will be the ICC test matches to see who will emerge victorious.
The English and Pakistanis alone will prove to be a challenge. South Africa will have a tough time to overcome these teams. The Proteas are themselves made up of professional players who can prove to be just as skilled. Overcoming the odds of the opposing teams depends on the Proteas play at their batting, bowling and runs.
Article written by:
Yacoob Cassim
Journalist at Radio Al Ansaar
