Johannesburg: Former pacer Makhaya Ntini doesn't see India winning their maiden Test series in South Africa while the great Allan Donald feels the Proteas' inexperienced batting will be tested by Jasprit Bumrah and Co.
The first Test begins in Centurion from December 26. India are primed for their maiden success in South Africa, having lost 1-2 in 2018 when the hosts boasted the likes of now-retired AB de Villiers, Faf du Plessis, Hashim Amla, Vernon Philander and Dale Steyn.
"India have a very good bowling attack this time around, but the Proteas know the South African conditions better. This for me will be key," Ntini, who featured in the 2001 and 2006-07 home series' against India, said in a CSA release.
"We have to back ourselves because we have that home advantage. Our players know the wickets very well and that will give us the edge."
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Donald, on the other hands, says whichever team bats better will win the series. He was a central figure in the 1992-93 series against India and also the 1996-97 series win on home soil.
"Both teams line up really well, both have strong bowling line-ups and that will mean the batting on both sides will be tested," said Donald.
"Our batting has lost some key players in the last couple of seasons. There's no hiding from the fact that it's a young line-up and they will be tested by the Indian attack.
"For me that is where the series will be decided. In the last few seasons, we haven't scored enough runs and that will be the challenge. If we can put the runs on the board, we undoubtedly have the bowlers who can take 20 wickets."
Donald played 72 Tests for South Africa taking 330 wickets. He said that India have worked really hard for success overseas tours.