Centurion: South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis won't mind if their fast bowlers, who have “X factor”, shape their victories against India and admitted they have demanded wickets which assist pace and bounce.
“Sitting here as a batsman, the first priority is to win games. If we play in series where the ball takes the upper hand, so be it. As long as we are winning it is fine,” Du Plessis said on the eve of the second Test.
The home captain though said the wicket at the Supersport Park is a lot browner than he thought.
“The information from the groundsmen is that the grass on the wicket has been burnt from the heat over the last week. We've asked for pace and bounce so hopefully we will get that. It is the key thing,” he said.
“If there was a bit of grass on it, it's fine then we back ourselves. If it was a low-scoring game, we'd want to get 20 or 30 or 50 more. I expect a good cricket wicket and hopefully pace and bounce. We prepare bowling friendly conditions because we want to win Test matches.”
The hosts, who lead this three-match series 1-0, have one selection headache. They need to replace injured Dale Styen, with homeboy Lungi Ngidi awaiting his Test debut. All-rounder Chris Morris though is expected to take that slot.
The Proteas are expected to retain the remainder of their bowling attack with Philander leading and the Test no.1 bowler in the mix as well. “KG (Rabada) is an incredible athlete — I think that's his strongest attribute. He's just such a strong bowler,” added the skipper.
