Proteas hoping to feed off Lungi Ngidi's confidence in second Test, says Temba Bavuma

Proteas captain Temba Bavuma has stressed that his team will be aiming to be “ruthless” in the second Test in Guwahati as the tourists bid to win their first series in India for 25 years.

They will need to do so without the services of ace fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, who was ruled out of the series on Friday. Rabada also missed the Proteas’ victory at Eden Gardens in the first Test due to a rib injury.

But Bavuma has maintained the Proteas will not be playing for a draw in the first-ever Test at Guwahati in order to preserve their lead, and will instead continue to push for the win.

“Yeah, I think ultimately, every game you've got to play to win,” Bavuma told the media on Friday. “I think our mindset is not on protecting the lead that we have. We want to play from the front, and we will continue to do so. 

“In terms of the game, we'll play what's in front of us. We understand that, yes, light does become an issue, but we don't want to go in there with that defensive type of mindset.

“Whatever opportunities are there within the game, we'll look to be ruthless and take them. But yeah, if there's an opportunity for it to be 2-0, then so be it.”

Bavuma also had full confidence in the experienced Lungi Ngidi stepping in to fill Rabada’s shoes should the big fast bowler be included in the final XI. Despite not playing a first-class game since the World Test Championship final, Ngidi joined up with the Proteas squad in Kolkata and has looked impressive in the nets during the build-up. 

“I think he wasn't under any delusions about him not being included within this (original) Indian team squad. Communication is a big thing within the team,” Bavuma said.

“I think with that being said, the guy has a lot of experience, and in a game like this where you want to be able to call upon your experience. I think it would be a little bit unfair on maybe bringing in a younger seamer to come and potentially do a role in this game.

“When Lungi was bowling yesterday, he was bowling as well as he's ever bowled. The last Test he played, you know, he did quite well. So, you know, there's confidence there.

“We'd like to feed off that confidence and the opportunities there for him to do well.”

There has been much conjecture about what type of surface would be prepared for the Barsapara Stadium’s maiden Test, especially due to the outcry after the diabolical pitch served up at Eden Gardens.

Upon first inspection, Bavuma believes it will be a much more evenly-paced surface. 

“I think it'll be a more traditional subcontinent wicket. Good for batting your first two days, and then day three the spinners should come into play,” he said.

“So think of all the fundamentals that come with playing in the subcontinent. First innings becomes crucial from a batting point of view to really set the game up.  And your spinners, in our case, Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer, supported by Aiden, (Markram) have them come into the game within the second or later half of the game.”