South African pacer Morne Morkel is fired up for the upcoming Test series against India on home soil. He believes this clash will be evenly contested as the Indian batsmen have grown adept at handling bounce overseas.
The first of three exhilarating Tests kicks off at Newlands on 5 January. Morkel, who is on the mend from a side strain, expects the series to deliver fantastic cricket action.
India has yet to snatch a Test series victory in South Africa, and with Morkel joining forces with fellow pace talents Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander (also returning from injury), and Kagiso Rabada, the Proteas are strong favourites.
However, Morkel, with a wealth of experience from 79 Tests, stresses the importance of mastering the local conditions better than the opponents.
“It’s set to be an incredible series against India,” said Morkel.
“The Indian camp is vocal about proving themselves away from home, so we expect a tough, well-matched contest. They boast batsmen who excel on hard, bouncy pitches and a sharp seam attack with both pace and swing. Ultimately, it comes down to who performs best in the conditions on the day.”
The team selectors face an exciting challenge in fitting all four seamers into the playing XI, complemented by the crafty left-arm spin of Keshav Maharaj.
Morkel’s stats against India on home turf bolster his case; he has claimed 24 wickets at a commendable average of 24.75, better than his overall career average of 28.85.
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