Scheduling of the first Test could be a blessing in disguise for India: Graeme Smith

After the culmination of the T20I series against Sri Lanka, the Indian team is set to leave for the all-important tour of South Africa. The Men in Blue have already established their dominion over the Islanders and the no.1 Test team will look to carry on the form on the foreign soil as well. India is slated to play their first of the three Tests at Cape Town, starting January 5.

Former Protea captain Graeme Smith, however, said the scheduling of the first Test in Cape Town could turn out to be a blessing in disguise for the under-prepared visitors. The Virat Kohli led side will head into the first Test at Newlands without a warm-up game but Smith thinks the scheduling might just work in their favour.

According to Hindustan Times, Smith said, “I think Cape Town will be India’s best chance. In South Africa, it is not so much about the moving ball, it is the extra bounce that creates a challenge. Cape Town has had a good drought. I expect the wicket to not do too much and have slow bounce and take a little bit of spin as the games go on.”

The veteran left-hander, who led his team to a 1-0 victory at home against India four years ago added, “Up in Pretoria (second Test) and Johannesburg (third), it is going to be the biggest challenge for the Indian team.”

Optimistic that the South African bowling attack will pose a problem

Smith feels South Africa’s “powerful” bowling attack will put the Indian batting line-up under serious pressure in the upcoming Test series. As the world No.1 Indian team goes up against the second-placed South Africa in their own den, it certainly has all the ingredients for an exciting contest. And Smith thinks the Proteas will be extra motivated after their painful 0-3 loss in India a couple of seasons ago.