India batsmen have the ability to tackle South Africa pacers in Tests: Cheteshwar Pujara

India batsman Cheteshwar Pujara said the team has the wherewithal to win the series, and cited the example of their good performance in Australia and England.

“We have the best support staff and most of the players have played in South Africa. It is an experienced side and we know what is expected from our side. All of us are ready,” Pujara told the BCCI.tv.

“Most of the teams play well in their home conditions and same is the case with South Africa. They have a very good bowling attack. Pace and bounce is there, lateral movement is also there. I feel that this is a much improved batting lineup and I think we will be able to handle South Africa’s bowling attack,” said Pujara.

Further talking about the upcoming series, Pujara said: “Having done well in England and Australia will help this team’s confidence and self belief that we can win in any conditions. With our batting and bowling, I think we have the capability to win in South Africa.”

Pujara has said the bio-bubble in South Africa is the best he has been a part of as there is a lot of space to move around and be close to nature.

India and South Africa will lock horns in three Tests and three ODIs. The first Test will begin on December 26 at the SuperSport Park, Centurion.

“First of all, this is the best bubble I have been a part of where you can just move around freely and you can get fresh air. There is a lot of space to go around, you are much more relaxed and you are in an environment where you are closer to the nature,” said Pujara.

The COVID-19 variant Omicron was first detected in South Africa in late November.

The World Health Organisation designated it a “variant of concern” due to an exceptionally high number of mutations. The BCCI and CSA have agreed to continue with the series but added a clause that the Indian cricketers can return home if the virus spread at an alarmingly high rate.

The Test series between India and South Africa will form part of the new cycle of the ICC World Test Championship. The updated schedule is as follows: First Test will take place from December 26-30 at the SuperSport Park, Centurion; Second Test will take place from January 3-7, 2022, at the Wanderers, Johannesburg; Third Test will take place from January 11-15, 2022, at the Newlands, Cape Town.

The first ODI will take place on January 19, 2022, at the Boland Park, Paarl; Second ODI will take place on January 21, 2022, at the Boland Park, Paarl; Third ODI will take place on January 23, 2022, at the Newlands, Cape Town.

The T20Is will be played at a later date as has been decided by the cricket boards of both the countries.