Morkel: We expected no favours
South Africa's fast bowler Morne Morkel said he and his team expected the conditions in India to be spin friendly in the current four-match Test series.
The Proteas lost the first Test in Mohali by 108 runs on a surface that favoured the spinners from the first session on the first day, while the visitors were also bowled out on the first day of the washed out second Test in Bangalore.
Those poor results mean India are firm favourites with Paddy Power to win the third Test, although South Africa are a dangerous side to discount.
Ahead of the third Test in Nagpur, starting on Wednesday, Morkel has urged his teammates to embrace the different conditions that they will be facing.
The lanky paceman said: "We expected no favours. We knew the wickets were going to turn. We need to do well with the reverse-swinging ball.
"If I can keep the pressure on the batters while the spinners are toiling away and then hope to get one or two myself, that will be ideal.
"With the game plans we are trying to execute it will be important not to bowl wasted deliveries and to make the batsmen play. The margins are quite small in these conditions.
"But we also need to enjoy ourselves. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity to play in these conditions."
To back India or South Africa for this all-important five-dayer, head over to Paddy Power.
Latest
-
NewsKohli promises opportunities for India young guns
Virat Kohli’s India will be looking to blood the next generation of stars Downunder.
-
NewsSouth Africa on high alert after Ben Stokes’ IPL form
The South Africa captain saw Stokes smash a sensational hundred last month.
-
NewsTom Curran happy for cricket to carry on innovating in quest for entertainment
Curran is heading back to the Big Bash in the new year with Sydney Sixers, with three new rules to get used to in the Twenty20 tournament.
-
NewsEoin Morgan still working out which players form England’s best Twenty20 side
It is less than a year until the T20 World Cup in India.
-
NewsPakistan break protocol, return six COVID-19 positives
Pakistan have been rocked by a double-blow and seen their exemption to train in isolation revoked.
-
NewsProteas issue statement on Black Lives Matter stance
The Proteas have affirmed their commitment to being anti-racist but will not kneel.
-
NewsEngland’s ‘frightening’ batting options mean the heat is always on – Jason Roy
Roy insists the competition for his role as opener will not affect the way he plays.
-
NewsJoe Root named on shortlist for ICC cricketer of the decade
Award winners will be announced in December.
-
NewsBatting strength has England in strong position for T20 World Cup – Jason Roy
Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan, Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler are among the options at the top of the order.
-
NewsICC elect Greg Barclay as new chairman
New Zealander Greg Barclay assumes the wheel at the ICC.