Proteas T20 vice-captain Rassie van der Dussen says they are expecting conditions to be batting friendly in Dharamshala’s Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium when they go up against India in their first of three T20 Internationals.
The Proteas arrived to a warm reception in India.
Van Der Dussen says they will take a lot of confidence from the Proteas’ previous result in their only match at the stadium while they know exactly what kind of conditions to expect.
Following their ICC Cricket World Cup disappointment, Van der Dussen says the team has moved on and is now embracing a fresh start under team director Enoch Nkwe’s tutelage.
The Potchefstroom born Van der Dussen also adds that they are looking forward to challenging themselves against the best team in the world in their home conditions. He adds that they will learn a lot from the tour irrespective of the results.
Serving on this tour as wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock’s right-hand man, Van der Dussen emphasised the importance of sponging information off experienced heads such as De Kock and David Miller who have both played over 50 ODI’s for South Africa.
He adds that their IPL experience will also come in handy for the team.
With two more light training sessions before the match on Sunday afternoon, the bizhub Highveld Lions batsman adds that they will be looking for a positive start to the tournament by getting a result in the first game.
The 30-year-old adds that they are aware of the positive influence winning will have on South African.
– Report by Thando Gqamane
