Harris warns India against preparing a Bunsen

“GOOD luck preparing things that turn from day one”

- ZAAHIER ADAMS

This is former Proteas’ left-arm spinner Paul Harris’ message to the BCCI and Team India ahead of the two-Test series starting at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Saturday.

Harris, never far from a frank discussion, believes the visitors are more than equipped to match India in the spin department, if the hosts are to serve up Bunsen burners that spit and turn from the opening day as they have done on recent visits by the Proteas to the subcontinent.

This was not without due cause though, after the Proteas, particularly under former coach Ottis Gibson and captain Faf du Plessis, produced spiteful pitches in South Africa that seamed and bounced uncontrollably when India visited these shores.

Harris feels that the eye-for-an-eye period has run its course due to the Proteas being now well-equipped with a set of specialist spinners in Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer and Senuran Muthusamy.

The trio showed their worth on the recent Pakistan tour, where they were dominant with the ball, helping the Proteas to a share of the series, which coincided with a first Test win in Pakistan for 18 years.