'Best pace attack in 30 years': Ex-South Africa captain backs India to beat Proteas

Former South Africa captain and administrator Ali Bacher feels India are the favourites to win the three-match Test series against South Africa. The Boxing Day Test match between South Africa and India got underway in Centurion on Sunday (December 26). India have a dismal record in the rainbow nation, with only three Test wins. However, Bacher feels India have a great bowling attack, one of the best in the world, and have a great chance of winning their maiden series in South Africa.

In the past two years, the Virat Kohli-led side have tasted a lot of success away from home . The team has beaten Australia and England owing to a great fast bowling lineup. The team has consistently taken 20 wickets, with the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj doing well collectively. Bacher lavished praise on the Indian bowling attack and feels it is the best he has seen in the last 30 years.

"The first two Tests are to be played in Centurion, which is nearly 5000 feet above sea level, and the Wanderers, Johannesburg which is nearly 6000 feet above sea level. The rarefied atmosphere at these two Test grounds plus the fast bouncy pitches at the Wanderers and SuperSport Park generally favor fast bowlers.

"The current Indian team has the best pace attack I have seen in the past thirty years. Therefore, India will start as favourites for the first two Test matches," Bacher told News 18.

India have beaten Australia twice, in 2019-20 and 2020-21 in Australia. Earlier this year, they also performed well in England and took a 2-1 lead in the five-match Test series. They also beat New Zealand at home recently.

Meanwhile, India have opted to bat first after winning the toss in the first Test. The Virat Kohli-led side have made a good start and are 83-0 at Lunch on Day 1.