Confident Proteas should be unfazed as India plot Guwahati ‘minefield’

WITH the Proteas riding high after their historic victory in the first Test against India at Eden Gardens last week, they will fancy their chances of sealing the series — regardless of the conditions India may throw at them in Guwahati.

- ONGAMA GCWABE

Proteas Test teams of the past were known for being slow starters, often beginning series on the back foot and relying on their resilience-based identity to claw their way back. This current crop appears to be on a different trajectory after winning the opening Test in Kolkata. They seem intent on throwing the first punch rather than absorbing it.

At the same time, this new group continues to embody the grit of previous generations. The first Test showed they can withstand the swings and setbacks that come with long-format cricket and still come out on top. With that early blow landed, confidence is flowing, and the Proteas will be oozing belief heading into the second and final Test in Guwahati.