JP Duminy defends South African bowlers after India A loss

New Delhi, September 30  - The South African bowlers may have been thrashed by the India A batsmen in a Twenty20 warm-up match here on Tuesday, but J.P. Duminy is confident that they will be equal to the challenge when the series kicks off next month.

Mayank Agarwal and Manan Vohra came up with some sizzling strokeplay on a greenish wicket to help India A overhaul a challenging 190-run target as the South African bowlers struggled with their form under a blazing sun at the Palam Air Force Ground. 

Pacers Kyle Abbott and Kasigo Rabada and leg-spinner Eddie Leie conceded more than 10 runs an over while Marchant de Lange and Imran Tahir also endured a forgettable day as the Indians carved out an eight-wicket win.

But Duminy, who himself gave away 22 runs in his two overs, was unfazed by the Proteas' poor start to their India tour.

"I have no doubt that our bowlers have what it takes to do well in this series. Today was mostly about what is going figuring out and assessing what will work for us in India conditions," Duminy said after the game. 

"Some of our bowlers have played a little bit in India, but Kasigo (Rabada) is new to these conditions so it is important for him to understand how to adapt and do it really early," he added.

"I have full confidence in the ability of our bowlers and I will back them hundred percent. I believe they have what it takes to stop the Indian batting line-up."

The left-hander, who smashed 68 runs off just 32 deliveries, also said that Tuesday's experience will help the visitors to prepare for the first Twenty20 against India to be held at Dharamsala on October 2.

"It very important in India to understand the conditions and pitches early. We will probably get a similar sort of pitch in Dharamsala so it has been good preparation and understanding what works and what does not," he said. 

"So we will look at how we can improve and make sure that we do so in the next few days."

Duminy also pointed out that the experience of playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) will help the South African players cope with the Indian conditions, specially the pressure of playing in front of massive crowds at some of the venues.

"Everybody has played IPL. We understand that India is a country that is really fanatical about cricket. So we have to accept and understand that this is part of what India is about," the 31-year-old said.

"For me personally, I thoroughly enjoy the whole experience of playing in India. So I am looking forward to the series."

(IANS)