IND vs SA Test: Rassie van der Dussen relishes India challenge – After 29 years, India will take on South Africa in their own backyard being the favourite to win the series. South Africa have been struggling and haven’t played a Test match in the last six months while most of the players have been out of touch with red-ball cricket. But playing World No 1 Virat Kohli & Co is the motivation South Africa were looking for. Rassie van der Dussen said the squad knows how difficult challenge it would be but are happy to play India again. Follow India Tour of South Africa on InsideSport.IN.
“With everything that is going on, we are so glad they are here. We are eager to play the No 1 Test team in the world. These three Tests will be a difficult challenge. But it would be of a great standard. At home conditions, we are really trying to back ourselves to be on the top,” Rassie van der Dussen said in a video posted by Cricket South Africa.
IND vs SA: Rassie van der Dussen reckons difficult challenge against Virat Kohli & Co, says ‘Eager to play No 1 Test team’
Rassie van der Dussen and the #Proteas are geared up for the challenge💪🇿🇦
📲 Head to the APP for his thoughts ahead of the #BetwayTestSeries opener.#SAvIND #FreedomSeries #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/2PA1RAXyQ2
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) December 21, 2021
IND vs SA: Rassie van der Dussen reckons difficult challenge against Virat Kohli & Co, says ‘Eager to play No 1 Test team’
Even though India will be without their newly-appointed Test vice-captain Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal have been in great form. The middle-order comprising Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane has been struggling. But all are keen to get back to form and South Africa could be the place where everything restarts.
However, it is India’s bowling department that will make it difficult for South Africa. Proteas batsmen hardly have had any red-ball practice and India’s pacers are in tremendous form. In addition, Ravichandran Ashwin’s spin web will be difficult to handle by South African batters. Furthermore, the absence of Quinton de Kock from the last two Test matches will be a big blow. But Rassie van der Dussen is focusing only on practice to ace India test.
IND vs SA: Rassie van der Dussen reckons difficult challenge against Virat Kohli & Co, says ‘Eager to play No 1 Test team’
“Right now, the aim is to focus on the basics and be ready to go. Some guys have been on vacation, some played four-day cricket. So, it is really great to have everyone back,” Rassie van der Dussen said.
The #Proteas got some mileage under their belts as they got some time in the middle during a intra-squad match 🏏 #SAvIND #BetwayTestSeries #FreedomSeries #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/08Ba56jhMg
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) December 20, 2021
IND vs SA: Rassie van der Dussen reckons difficult challenge against Virat Kohli & Co, says ‘Eager to play No 1 Test team’
IND vs SA: Rain hampers practice on Tuesday
But South Africa haven’t had the best of practice sessions so far. After the domestic season got suspended due to Covid-19, South Africa opted to play intra-squad matches. However, bad weather in Centurion has worked against them.
On Tuesday, South African players had to opt for indoor practice as the Centurion had to be covered due to rain.
“It’s good to be back. We got a bit of rain around so we haven’t been able to go into the middle. But the guys have been putting in the work indoors and hopefully, we have some time in the nets. We still have some time before the 1st Test. We will build it up slowly and steadily,” Rassie van der Dussen said.
South Africa Squad: Dean Elgar (captain), Temba Bavuma (vice captain), Quinton de Kock, Kagiso Rabada, Sarel Erwee, Beuran Hendricks, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Anrich Nortje, Keegan Petersen, Rassie van der Dussen. Kyle Verreynne, Marco Jansen, Glenton Stuurman, Prenelan Subrayen, Sisanda Magala, Ryan Rickelton, Duanne Olivier.
IND vs SA: Rassie van der Dussen reckons difficult challenge against Virat Kohli & Co, says ‘Eager to play No 1 Test team’
Editors pick
