Philander issues bold prediction regarding India v Proteas Tests

Former Proteas seamer Vernon Philander predicts South Africa to win the ongoing two-match Test series in India 1-0 based on South Africa’s form heading into the series.

Philander was impressed by South Africa’s victory over Pakistan in the second Test in Rawalpindi last month. The former seamer was particularly impressed by spinners Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer and Senuran Muthusamy.

Philander believes that this trio, coupled with fast bowler Kagiso Rabada and another seamer, could be the attack that helps the Proteas win a series in India, a feat that has eluded them for almost three decades.

The former seamer and now commentator believes the Proteas, as a unit, head into the series prepared, having recently played in Pakistan, which generally offers similar conditions to India. 

“My prediction is going to be 1-0 to South Africa. I do feel that with the current crop of spinners that we have, we can go and really take the battle to the Indians. I think we've got experience in Keshav and Simon. I think a wonderful start by Muthusamy,” Philander told Independent Newspapers.

“This could be perhaps the bowling unit that we need to go one up on India in their own conditions. I'm feeling fairly and relatively confident that this squad could go over there and do it, given the Test series they've just had in Pakistan.

“I think they'll draw a lot of confidence from the way they've played in the second Test match. But this time around, I think we'll go in a lot more prepared. So, it's not like we have to play that first test match and then chase after the eight ball.”

Having taken the new ball in India six years ago, Philander understands that seamers tend to play a holding role, making way for the spinners to lead the attack in what are generally spin-friendly wickets.

“As a seamer in the subcontinent, I think it's always tough (bowling in India). In the subcontinent, your role changes slightly. Your job as a seamer is to really try and keep it tight,” said Philander.  

“But also, the three or four overs spells that you're going to be bowling make it really impactful. The one thing that comes to mind is the energy which you start out with.

"There will be an opportunity with the new ball in hand. Yes, you want to try and strike early, but you also don't want to give momentum away by leaking too many runs up front.”

Moreover, Philander has warned the Proteas to be careful against chinamen Kuldeep Yadav, who is the mystery spinner. Philander believes the Proteas will have extended discussions on how to handle Yadav and how to score against him.

”Kuldeep, I think for me, he poses a massive threat to South Africa, being a mystery spinner. So, the message and the conversation will be around what's for the wrong-un and also how to set up and play him,” he said.  

“So, I think there's a lot of good, healthy conversation to be taking place amongst this batting group,” he concluded.