‘Morne Morkel is the enemy now’ - Graeme Smith takes cheeky dig at India's bowling coach ahead of Eden Gardens Test

Former South African skipper Graeme Smith expressed strong confidence in the team’s two spinners, Keshav Maharaj and Senuran Muthuswamy, to perform well against India in the upcoming two-match Test series. The first Test between the two teams is set to take place from November 14 at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

India, led by Shubman Gill, are expected to deliver a commanding performance at home against the reigning World Test Championship winners. Meanwhile, South Africa will rely on their potent pace attack featuring Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, along with the all-round abilities of Corbin Bosch.

"Eden Gardens is not a bad place for starting the series. The two spin options that we have (Maharaj and Muthuswamy) are really good. Taking 20 wickets in a Test match is the most important thing. I have confidence in the side," Smith stated on Wednesday at an SA20 India Day event in Mumbai as quoted by NDTV Sports.

Smith, who currently serves as the League Commissioner for the T20 franchise league set to begin on December 26, was asked about his former teammate Morne Morkel, now the bowling coach for India under Gautam Gambhir’s leadership. In response, Smith shared a light-hearted remark.

"Morne Morkel is the enemy now," Smith said.

Faf du Plessis, who was also present at the event, emphasised that getting off to a strong start will be vital in the upcoming two-Test series against India. He highlighted that in a short series, momentum plays a major role.

"When you start the series well, then the rest of the series becomes easier. Expectations are always high. For the last 12-14 months, we have done well. We did well in Pakistan also. There is a lot of talk about spinning conditions. It's unfortunate that we have only two Tests. That's the downside of the new Test schedule. I am a believer in a minimum of three Tests,” said Du Plessis.

Smith echoed du Plessis’ sentiments about the importance of gaining early momentum in the series. He noted that starting strong could set the tone for the remainder of the contest. The first Test between India and South Africa will be played at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, followed by the second and final match in Guwahati, beginning on November 22.

"Sport is all about confidence. South Africa would arrive with their confidence. However, confidence also quickly goes when you lose a Test match. It will be very important for them to get that momentum," said Smith.

"Countering Bumrah will be key. Spinners will come into play later on. But if you are two or three down before the spinners come to play, then that will hit you hard. So, tackling Bumrah will be key. The same goes for India. Tackling Kagiso Rabada will be key,” he added.