Kolkata: Fresh from their morale-boosting, series-saving win over Pakistan in Rawalpindi, visiting South Africa on Tuesday trained with a clear intent — to attack spin and unsettle rhythm of the bowlers, ahead of the opening Test against India, starting here Friday.
The reigning World Test Champions began their new WTC cycle by drawing the two-match series 1-1 against Pakistan, pulling off an incredible eight-wicket win in the second Test.
Tottering at 235 for eight in reply to Pakistan’s 333, South Africa’s lower order led by Kagiso Rabada’s career-best 71 and Keshav Maharaj’s 30 helped secure a crucial lead before Simon Harmer (6/50) and Maharaj (2/34) spun Pakistan out for 138.
With a fit-again skipper Temba Bavuma returning to lead the side for the first time since guiding them to their maiden World Test Championship title in June, South Africa looked charged up in their first session attended by their full squad.
The intent was evident as they launched into an attacking net session that revolved around countering spin.
Bavuma took throw-downs from short distance, a drill designed to test his judgment and reflexes since he’s coming back from an injury as he then moved to main nets afterwards.
Senior pro Aiden Markram, who struggled to convert starts against Pakistan leading the side in absence of Bavuma, batted with purpose alongside opening partner Ryan Rickelton, both focusing on attacking the spinners.
Confidence also stemmed from the performance of the South Africa A side, which chased down a 400-plus target against India A in Bengaluru on Sunday, with senior batters Bavuma and Zubayr Hamza involved.
That result seemed to reflect in the senior team’s buoyant mood.
However, top-order consistency remains a concern.
Tony de Zorzi, who batted at Bavuma’s No. 4 slot, was South Africa’s top-scorer against Pakistan with 175 runs, including a century.
Considered one of their better players of spin, the 28-year-old will be playing his first match in India as there will be the usual pressure.
To adapt to subcontinental conditions that deteriorate from day three, the batters practised attacking from the outset, focusing on brisk scoring.
With Bavuma’s return, a reshuffle in the batting order is imminent which may see Dewald Brevis, who managed just 46 runs in the two Pakistan Tests, may make way.
Tristan Stubbs, another batter under scrutiny after a lean run, had extended sessions across three nets, mostly facing off-spinners and left-arm orthodox bowlers.
Yet to cement his position, having batted between Nos. 3 and 5, Stubbs is competing with de Zorzi and Wiaan Mulder for a middle-order slot.
South Africa, who last won the Freedom Trophy at home in 2021-22 by 2-1, were whitewashed 0-3 on their previous tour of India in 2019.
Overall, India and South Africa have met in 17 Test series since the Proteas’ readmission in 1992, with contests often defined by home dominance.
South Africa lead with eight series wins, India have won five, while four have been drawn.
At home, South Africa have been dominant, winning seven of nine series, with two draws (2010-11 and 2023-24) denying India a single series win.
India on the other hand have dominated the rivalry at home, winning five of eight, with South Africa’s only success coming in 1999-00.
