SA captain Elgar wary of Bumrah Express

Johannesburg, DecEMBER 21

South Africa captain Dean Elgar feels the Indian pace attack has improved immensely, especially overseas, and Jasprit Bumrah is best placed to exploit the “spicy” conditions in the rainbow nation.

India, who lost the series 1-2 back in 2018, are primed for their maiden Test series win in South Africa.

The home team also lacks in experience with the likes AB de Villiers, Dale Steyn, Faf du Plessis, Hashim Amla and Vernon Philander, who were all part of the 2018 series, retired from the game.

Bumrah had made his Test debut in that series and has gone on to become one of the leading bowlers in international cricket. “He (Bumrah) is a world class bowler. If there is one bowler who can exploit South African conditions pretty well, it would be him. But again, we don’t focus on one guy. India as a whole is a pretty good side,” Elgar said.

Nortje ruled out

South Africa pacer Anrich Nortje was today ruled out of the upcoming three-Test series against India due to a “persistent” injury.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) did not specify the nature of injury and no replacement for Nortje was named who has taken 47 wickets in 12 Tests, including three five-wicket hauls.

“Proteas bowler, Anrich Nortje, has been ruled out of the three-match series against India due to a persistent injury,” CSA said. “No replacement will be brought in,” it added. — PTI