Putting runs on the board for bowlers to defend will define India-South Africa series, says Amla
Hashim Amla is no stranger to Indian conditions. Having played a substantial amount of cricket in this part of the world, Amla is aware of the fact that laying out rank-turners for touring teams is often the norm here.
But this time around, as India and South Africa gear up for a two-Test series, the surfaces in Kolkata and Guwahati may not be rank-turners. Instead, there could be a lot more pace, carry and bounce.
Amla believes that preparation is the key while batting in such challenging conditions. “If you look at both bowling attacks, they have very good seamers and spinners. So, from a bowling attack perspective, I think the teams are pretty close. The ability to get big runs on the board to allow your bowlers to exert that pressure is very important,” Amla said on the sidelines of SA20 Media Day on Wednesday.
“That’s going to be one of the big tests. The biggest test for both teams is getting enough runs to allow your bowlers to win the game for you. The South African team has quite a few inexperienced guys who have come to India for the first time. That might also be an advantage for them because you come to a new place where you haven’t played before. You have a lot less baggage from what happened before in previous tours and you come with a fresh mind,” the former batter said.
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After winning the World Test Championship title in June, South Africa went on to draw a Test series against Pakistan recently, and in terms of preparation, those experiences could come handy.
“I know the South African team has always prided itself on preparation. You do come onto wickets or surfaces that no amount of preparation can prepare you for. But you prepare for the worst, and you certainly play for the best,” he said.
“I’m sure South Africa’s preparation will be great. I have no doubt about it. The way that they played in Pakistan is also testament to that. The wickets weren’t turning there. Coming from Pakistan is probably the best preparation that the team could have had for the Test series,” Amla, one of the finest batters of his time, said.
Published on Nov 12, 2025
