India will start as the favourites in the first two Test matches against SA due to their pace attack: Ali Bacher

India and South Africa will battle it out in a three-match Test series in the land of the Proteas. And, former South African cricketer Ali Bacher reckons that the current Indian Test team boasts of the best pace attack he has seen in the last three decades.

Bacher also explained that the first two Test matches will be played at Centurion and Johannesburg, and both these venues are extremely high above sea level. Bacher also added that the pitches will be fast and bouncy and the Virat Kohli-led outfit will start the series as the favourites.

“The first two Tests are to be played in Centurion, which is nearly 5000 feet above sea level and the Wanderers, Johannesburg which is nearly 6000 feet above sea level. The rarefied atmosphere at these two Test grounds plus the fast bouncy pitches at the Wanderers and SuperSport Park generally favour fast bowlers.

The current Indian team has the best pace attack I have seen in the past thirty years. Therefore, India will start as favourites for the first two Test matches,” said Bacher as quoted by Times of India.

India off to a superb start in the 1st Test match

After winning the toss and batting first in the 1st rubber, the Virat Kohli-led Indian side is off to a tremendous start. At lunch, the Indian scorecard reads 83/0, and the Indian openers have looked fairly comfortable against the South African bowling attack.

While Mayank Agarwal has been the aggressor and has scored an 84-ball 46, KL Rahul has played in a more sedate manner, and has helped himself to a patient 29* off 84 deliveries. The three-match Test series is being played behind closed doors due to the Covid-19 threat.