The South African men’s cricket team is preparing for one of its toughest challenges yet since being crowned ICC World Test Champions earlier this year. The Proteas begin phase two of their title defence with a two-match Test series against India, starting Friday morning at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
The tour forms part of a three-format series, and conditions in the subcontinent are expected to test South Africa’s adaptability — especially against India’s formidable spin attack.
Proteas captain Temba Bavuma says the team is ready to embrace the challenge. “The ball does seem to swing right here in Kolkata, probably a little bit more. We’ll be accustomed to playing here in India. It’s obviously a consideration of playing an extra spinner,” he said.
Bavuma added that while the spin conditions would influence bowling selections, the Proteas remain confident in their top-order batting lineup. “You want to select your best six batters — it’s more on a bowling point of view,” he explained.
The first ball of the India–South Africa Test series will be bowled at 06:00am South African time on Friday.