SA speedster Ntini believes Indians have changed for the better since their last Test tour of SA
SA speedster Ntini believes Indians have changed for the better since their last Test tour of SAu00a0
Retired South Africa Test fast bowler Makhaya Ntini reckons India are in a better position to create history, by clinching their first-ever Test series in South Africa, compared to the 2006-07 series in which the 'Mdingi Express' took 15 wickets. In that series too, the two sides went into the final Test here at Newlands at level pegging.
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| SA pacer Makhaya Ntini wears an intense look during a training session at Centurion on Dec 15, 2009 .
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"Compared to the 2006-07 series, India have changed tremendously. They are very high on confidence. They have players who know the pitches and conditions a lot better. Having a South African coach also makes a massive difference. I see them putting on a great show at Cape Town," Ntini told Sunday MiD DAY.u00a0
However, Ntini, who is only one of five South Africans to have played over 100 Tests, reminded India that they wouldn't enjoy the same crowd support they did at Kingsmead last week.
"The only problem they will face is how they absorb the pressure. When compared to Durban, there is a different crowd here, a different atmosphere.u00a0 Both teams are keen on starting the New Year afresh with a big win, and the stakes cannot be any higher," added Ntini.
The 33-year old said the previous two Tests will have absolutely no bearing on the series-decider: "The game of cricket is going forward, what happened last year is past tense now. India need to be patient and not get carried away. Only VVS Laxman batted well in the previous game, so the others must be under pressure."
Asked if India were over-dependent on pace spearhead Zaheer Khan, "No, I don't think so. That is unfair on the other bowlers. What Zaheer brings to the team is a wealth of experience. So, the rest of the bowlers pick up the energy from him. He brings a lot of energy, ideas and leadership to the table." said Ntini.
The quick bowler who took 390 Test wickets predicts runs in the series-decider, "Most of South Africa's individuals have their best records here. They love scoring runs here. Over the last few years, there have been big totals made here. I see a similar trend," he said.u00a0 In the last 20 Tests at this venue, since 1994, South Africa have won 14, lost three, and drawn three.
Ntini, who will bow out of cricket after the January 9 Twenty20 international fixture at Moses Mabhida Stadium, said he would have loved to bowl to Sachin Tendulkar during his farewell game: "I would have loved to bowl to him. It is a pity he doesn't play T20s. With the Indian fraternity celebrating the 150th anniversary of arriving in South Africa, and with so many Bollywood superstars attending, it is going to be a very big night."
Asked if he missed being out there with his teammates for the Test series, he said: "Cricket has been a part of our lives, it is a job, its bread and butter. I have enjoyed the happy moments, and don't regret the sad moments. I have decided to move away from the game. It is only a natural thing to do."
