© AFP
South Africa set to test India with pace
South Africa are firm favourites for the World Cup 2015 and that puts them under immense pressure. Desperate to shed the "chokers" tag, South Africa are now focusing on one game at a time and treating them as seriously as a final. They kick-off the tournament against their neighbours Zimbabwe but have their eyes fixed on the game against India in Melbourne on February 22. (World Cup Schedule)
South Africa had a cakewalk against the West Indies with a 4-1 series win in the lead up to the World Cup and their coach, Russell Domingo, feels that the Proteas are better prepared and are "more confident" than India.
"I'd much rather be at home than spend two months in Australia prior to the World Cup. It worked out great that we had six weeks there and then came back home," Domingo said.
"I'm sure it would have been challenging for a side like India, being there for so long and then still another two months with the World Cup," said the Proteas coach. (World Cup 2015: Australia Wary of India)
India have been in on the road over three months now and have been in wretched form. India's famed batting line-up hasn't been up to the scratch and Domingo aims to cash in on that.
"There will be some venues and some teams where we would consider five specialist bowlers," Domingo said. "Teams like India, where they perceived strength is definitely their batting line-up -- they have some world class players in their line-up and the MCG is a pretty good batting wicket -- so I think bowling strength will be important against sides like India." (World Cup 2015: "Don't Return As Losers", Sports Minister Warns South African team)
South Africa boast of a very strong bowling unit and their three front-line pacers supported by the leggie Imran Tahir should be a handful against any batting. JP Duminy and Farhaan Behardien would be entrusted with the fifth bowlers job but against India, Domingo plans to unleash the raw pace of Kyle Abbott and Wayne Parnell along with Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel. (Bowlers Will Have to Perform if India Are to Retain World Cup: Javagal Srinath)
India failed to win a single game against the Proteas in the bilateral series in 2013-14 and in the World Cup, the Indians have lost all the three games they have played against the men from the Rainbow Nation.
With the relaxed format of the World Cup, both South Africa and India are almost certain of reaching the knockout phase but if the South Africans unleash their pace-battery against India, it would definitely spice up the contest between the two top sides.
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