Ryan Rickelton and Proteas aim to prove their worth in challenging India Test series
Ryan Rickelton and the Proteas aim to prove their worth as the defending World Test Championship champions by challenging India in a crucial Test series starting at Eden Gardens on Friday. Picture: Aamir Qureshi/AFP
Image: Aamir Qureshi/AFP
Opener Ryan Rickelton says he is mindful about the Proteas proving themselves on the subcontinent, ahead of the first Test against India, at Eden Gardens, starting on Friday.
South Africa come into the series off a 1-1 series draw against Pakistan last month, and now have the more challenging assignment of taking on India in their backyard.
The Proteas, of course, are the defending champions in the World Test Championship (WTC) having beaten Australia in London in the final in June.
Now, Rickelton says this campaign will be about proving why they are still the best Test nation.
Rickelton Addresses Media Pressure and Aims for Success in Upcoming India Subcontinent Tour
“I’ve been reading a lot of the articles saying about the last cycle that we didn't have any subcontinent tours or we didn't have an India or Pakistan subcontinent tour,” Rickelton told SportsBoom.co.za.
“So, the target is always going to be on our back about it, especially how we handle ourselves in Pakistan and India.”
Clearly not adopting the approach with the media ‘like water off a duck’s back’, Rickelton doubled down with his assertion.
“So, I think there will always be a bit of a target on our backs, and there will always be people saying that we had an easy last cycle.
“If we can win a Test match in India and walk away with 1-1 or ideally aiming for 2-0. But India are also allowed to play well, especially in their backyard, that's a great start to our sub-tour as well, and we've only got incoming Test matches after that.”
The match starts at 6am SA time, and will also likely welcome back skipper Temba Bavuma to the starting XI after he missed the Pakistan series due to injury.