After going down to India by 113 runs in the first Test at SuperSport Park in Centurion, the South Africans would be looking to start a new in the new year and what better way to do that than have one of the greatest batters to put on the Protea cap advise you.
Hashim Amla, a legend of the game with more than 9000 Test runs to his kitty in 124 Tests believes that batters have to take up the onus upon them, especially Temba Bavuma, who looked in good touch in the first game.
“There’s certainly a way back but it’s going to take laser-like focus for extended periods and a touch a fortune,” said Amla in a press release by Cricket South Africa.
“Our two best batters in the middle are Temba and Quinton (de Kock). Now that Quinton has opted out of Test cricket, this cripples the batting line-up further and really, now more than ever, it makes it imperative for Temba to bat higher. Be it three or four, allow him time to play a solidifying role as opposed to a recovery one,” he added.
Amla also went on to say that openers Dean Elgar and Aiden Markram are class players and they need to bring on their ‘A’ game to the fore if South Africa are to keep their record of not losing a home Test series to India alive.
“Dean and Aiden are class players with a pedigree for hundreds and if they get momentum, it would certainly ease the nerves and give much-needed confidence for the younger guys,” said the 38-year-old.
The second Betway Test takes place from 03-07 January at Imperial Wanderers in Johannesburg. India lead the series 1-0.