Graeme Smith thinks South Africa will be very strong at home

After a magnificent run in the home season, the No. 1 Test side is ready to battle out the challenges and obstructions coming in their way when they face the Proteas next year on their own turf. The three-match Test series between India and South Africa is expected largely to be a competitive series with both sides surrounded by star names of the longest format currently. Which is why former South Africa captain Graeme Smith feels that the Proteas have some powerful fast bowlers in their attack presently which pose a serious threat to the Indian batters in the upcoming Test series.

The current Indian batting line-up has had their fair share of struggles where conditions have assisted the fast bowlers. Be it the first day of the 1st Test match at Eden Gardens against Sri Lanka or the first ODI at Dharamshala against the same opposition, the batsmen have struggled a lot facing the seaming and moving ball in pressure situations.

And, the South African bowling attack which includes veteran Dale Steyn, young quick Kagiso Rabada and two experienced campaigners in Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander would surely be having a close look at the weaker areas of this Indian team to make their plans ahead of the Test series.

The whole bunch of the players are very strong

Smith stated that the current Proteas line-up consists of some strong players which include their star batsman AB de Villiers who is a making his return in the longest format of the game. The former South African captain also revealed that their bowling seems to be powerful enough to make things difficult for the Indian batters. He believes that the hosts have a pretty balanced unit at the moment.

“I think South Africa will be very strong. With AB de Villiers coming back, their batting looks a lot stronger. The bowling too is really powerful. They have got four really outstanding experienced pacers to choose from and couple of young pacers as well,” said Smith quoted by News24.

India have better chance at Cape Town

India would be facing South Africa in the first Test match of the series at Cape Town on January 5. The former Proteas opener feels that the Cape Town venue will be the best chance for the visitors to start their tour on a high. He mentioned that the pitch would play on the slower side because of the recent drought in the city.

The left-hander also revealed that the Indian batsmen need to score big runs to challenge the opposition and to stand a chance to win their first ever Test series in South Africa.