India, the World Number one in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Test ranking, were rattled by South African pacers on Newlands greener turf that was offering bounce and pace. The well established batting line-up of visitors collapsed in both the inning at the score of 209 and 135, respectively and the Proteas won the match by 72 runs.

The former South African all-rounder Lance Klusener, while talking to news agency PTI, said visitors will not be able to defeat the hosts to win the series.

“I will be honest with you. I don’t see India winning this Test series. I don’t see them winning two Tests on the bounce. Maybe they can win and draw. Coming from 1-0 down, 1-1 will be a good result for them. But to do that, they need to work to a plan. South Africa are a good team with good pacers. India’s only chance is if they can get a big score on the board,” he said.

India have never won a Test series against South Africa in their backyard and people were expecting that Virat’s boys might be the first to do so. In 18 Test matches played in South Africa, India have won only two till date.

Klusener said that Virat’s and his boys were bound to find themselves in trouble. “You expect to be battered with pace when you come to South Africa. Look at their team selection – they played four pacers – that in itself is a message from the Proteas. It was always going to be a challenge for India, especially after they had just played Sri Lanka. That series went by in home conditions without the Indian batsmen playing any real fast bowling. Yes, they fought hard in this Test but lost chasing a small total, and this should be extremely disappointing for them,” he added.

The 46-year old also mentioned that Indian squad should have played at least one practice match to understand the pitch. “If India were touring in the sub-continent, then it wouldn’t be the end-of-the-world if they didn’t play a practice game before the tour. But for them to come to South Africa, it would have been nice for them to have the practice game in foreign conditions,” said Klusener.

Klusener, who is also currently the batting coach of Zimbabwe, also praised Indian pacers and said, “In the past, we have seen Indian pacers come here and get carried away with bounce and carry. This time they have obviously spoken about bowling fuller lengths and it was excellent to see them executing their plans very well,” he concluded.