After a dismal showing in the first innings of the first Test match, South Africa find themselves in a spot of bother at Centurion at the end of Day 3. Bundled out for 197 runs in the first innings in Centurion, Temba Bavuma blamed the below-par performance on not playing regular red-ball cricket.
“I don’t want to be accused of making excuses for our play, but that does have an impact,” Bavuma said in the post day press conference.
Stating that South Africa are much better in their intensity and standard than what they showed on day 1, Bavuma argued that you can have as many nets as you want but nothing can simulate match conditions.
“There is nothing much we can do as players, but there is that disparity in the number of games. We have to find a way mentally to meet the challenge.”
Bavuma was referring to the number of Test matches India have played across the year against the home side. South Africa’s last Test outing came against West Indies in June against India who are coming off a 1-0 victory against New Zealand last month.
India have been one of the most prolific touring sides over the past two seasons, putting up impressive performances wherever they have played in.