Temba Bavuma has backed the South African spinners to perform well during the two-match Test series against India, starting on Friday, November 14, at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
The South African captain asserted that bowling has been his team's strongest suit, and it can help them take 20 wickets in a Test match. He also named Tristan Stubbs as someone who can provide useful contributions with his part-time off-spin bowling.
"Bowling has always been a strength of ours as a team. Now, we're probably
even better poised with those spin resources. We have Tristan Stubbs as well, if we do need another off-spinner, he can come in with something different," said Bavuma while speaking to the reporters on the eve of the second unofficial Test between India A and South Africa A in Bengaluru.
"You need the bowlers to be able to take 20 wickets, right? I think now we're quite confident in our ability and if the conditions are saying that spin is the threat, then at least we have the resources," he added.
The spin trio of Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer, and Senuran Muthusamy will be expected to repeat their heroics from last month's Pakistan tour. The Proteas drew a two-match Test series 1-1 in Pakistan, with the aforementioned spinners combining to pick up 33 wickets.
South Africa haven't won a Test series in India since 1999-2000 under the leadership of Hansie Cronje. Bavuma understands that there will be expectations from his team after they defeated Australia earlier this year to become World Test Champions.
"I think as a South African team, I don't think we've won a Test series here in India for a long time. So, I think there's a massive opportunity there and I think there's a big target on our backs as a South African Test team. I think there's expectation on us (as world champions)," said Bavuma.
It's always tough playing in India: Bavuma
Despite the absence of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin, Bavuma feels that the young and talented bunch of Indian players can step in to fill the boots and give South Africa a stern challenge.
"It's always tough playing in India. You've seen the young talent that has come in. The guys come in, they are all filling the boots. It is a big task. Those guys you mentioned have performed over a number of years for India, and they've put India on the map of where they are. But yeah, we'll prepare as well as we can, understand the challenges that we'll find here, and strive to put our best foot forward," Bavuma said.
