New Delhi | South Africa skipper Dean Elgar heaped praise on India ace spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and Jasprit Bumrah in a press conference ahead of the Boxing Day Test match on starting on December 26.
“Ashwin is a quality spinner and one of the best off-spinners India have ever produced that we all are mindful of as a team. And the same goes for world class bowler Jasprit Bumrah,” Elgar said during a press conference.
On asked about the damage damage Ashwin caused to South Africa during their tour of India in 2018 Elgar said, ”I don’t think Ravichandran Ashwin had much success in South Africa which is good for us. You can’t really compare the success he has had against our hitters in India because the conditions are so different We have to focus on our game plan, each player has worked on their individual game plan. It is important not to focus on just one player in their roster”.
“Indian lineup is immensely improved bowling lineup especially playing away from home. We are very mindful of that. However, we are up against their bowling attack. And we are perfectly okay with that. Being in South Africa I would like to think, we feel a lot more accustomed in our condition and we will use that as an advantage for us. Rather it would be tough for India batters to face our bowlers our bowlers,” he further added.
Elgar also spoke about the conditions in Centurion as he hopes for a clear weather.
“I hope the rain stays away so that we can have a good game of cricket. I am hoping for really good cricket wicket.
This has always been a great place if you apply as a hitter yourself. With the ball in hand you can exploit the conditions if you have extra rhythm and rebound,” the left-handed opening batter said.
"If you apply yourself as a hitter, you can score points in Centurion. If you have skills and are willing to stay patient, bowlers can have fun in Centurion as well,” he further added.
Elgar also spoke about his comparatively inexperienced side which will miss the exploits of seasoned Faf du Plessis in the Test series.
“It's true that we have a pretty young and inexperienced batting lineup and this is something we know as a unit. But for me it’s an opportunity and we need to be best prepared. Professional cricket is all about taking the opportunity and making a position on your own. Of course, it will be tough to plan against the best side in the world, India have got a very good bowling line-up and we are aware of that,” Elgar signed off.
