GIBB IT A GO

PROTEAS legend Herschelle Gibbs knows the world champion South African Test team will have to be at their gehardste if they are to beat India at Eden Park.

Day one of the first Test between the two teams starts at 6am on Friday, with SA’s recent record in India making for abysmal reading – seven defeats, one victory and one match abandoned since 2010.

And although the Proteas recorded a comeback series draw against Pakistan on the subcontinent last month, Gibbs believes this two-match series will be something else.

Gibbs, who played 90 Tests for the Proteas, told IOL: “I think India will obviously pose a different challenge completely.

“But I mean, Keshav Maharaj also bowled out of his socks, came back well, and it’s good to see him firing again.

“Obviously, they missed Temba Bavuma, his consistency as far as the batting is concerned. But yeah, they go to India, I think, prepared, and I think they know what to expect.

“It will be a bit more challenging, I think, than Pakistan, definitely. They obviously are a lot stronger squad.”

Gibbs was also quick to point out that New Zealand beat hosts India in their three-Test series in October and November last year.

He added: “But they [South Africa] go there with confidence, which is important. And yeah, you know, I mean, New Zealand beat India, 3-0. Hopefully, I’ll be happy with any series win. I’ll take it any day.”

Meanwhile, the Proteas are still mulling over the make up of their final XI ahead of the first Test.

Bavuma said: “We haven’t finalised the team. It’s all those different, I guess, considerations. The ball does seem to swing in Kolkata, probably a little bit more than what we are accustomed to playing in India.

“So, there’s obviously the consideration of the extra spinner, but obviously, you want to make sure that you have the resources from a spin point of view.”

Former Proteas captain Faf du Plessis reckons confidence will be key for SA in the series, saying: “South Africa would arrive in India with confidence, as a team that has played well, they are the No 1 Test team in the world. So that means a lot... The first Test will be important for the series.”