Debasis Sen: There has been a lot of talk about the South African pitches after India arrived in South Africa to play the three-match Test series, but India’s star opener Murali Vijay feels that managing bounce is pretty much easier for an opening batsman compared to managing swing bowling.
The pitch at Cape Town has a lot of grass on it and it will provide good bounce and carry in all five days.
“It is quite green. I don’t know how it is going to behave on day one. For an opening batsman, swing is more difficult to face than bounce. Personally, I think I am able to manage bounce more. If the ball swings around, it is difficult for any batsman to keep his shape,” said Vijay said during a media interaction after training session.
Vijay thinks that the visitors need an x-factor to win the series in South Africa.
“Once I played Test cricket here, I realized it is pretty challenging for opening batsmen here. The seam movement and bounce in these conditions is pretty exciting for openers to go out there and perform against. It is difficult but at the same time, you get to learn a lot as well.
“If you have some x-factor in your game, you can use that in a match situation the next time,” said the Tamil Nadu batsman.
On being asked whether their training in nets is enough to face the Proteas on their home soil, Vijay said,”Personally, I am okay with anything. Everybody knows what they need to do. The individuals know what exactly are the areas they need to work on.
“They have been perfect practice sessions for us so far and we are looking forward to the game now.”
Dhawan is fit to play the first Test and he might play the first Test. According to Vijay it is a good headache for the captain and the management.
“Am not sure about the playing eleven, but he is fit and has declared himself fit so it is good for us going into this test match. hopefully it is a good headache for the captain and the management,” said Vijay.