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'The wicket was, I believe, pretty similar to the one that we will get in Dharamsala'
'The spinners did not get much turn on this track. This match wasn't exactly about results'
Senior South Africa batsman J P Duminy defended his team’s young bowling attack which failed to defend a decent total of 189 against an inexperienced India ‘A’ in their warm-up T20 game in Delhi on Tuesday, saying the focus was on assessment of conditions rather than the result.
"I have full confidence in the ability of our bowlers and I will back them hundred percent. I believe they have what it takes to stop the Indian batting line-up.
“Today was one day where it was about figuring out and assessing what will work for us in these conditions," Duminy said, after India coasted to an eight-wicket victory.
"Kyle (Abbott), (Marchant) De Lange and (Chris) Morris have bowled here earlier, but it was a new experience for Kagiso (Rabada). He must have understood what works for him," Duminy, the Proteas’ star performer in Tuesday’s match, said.
The best part for him was getting a good hit in the middle during which he scored an unbeaten 68 off 32 balls.
"In a T20 game it is not possible to assess all the areas, as there is very little time to do so. But we played some 30 balls each and I have played a few practice matches at this ground.
"The wicket was, I believe, pretty similar to the one that we will get in Dharamsala. The spinners did not get much turn on this track. This match wasn't exactly about results," said the left-handed batsman.
He also praised Chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav, who bowled tight lines, conceding only 26 runs in his four overs.
"We all know that India produces quality spinners. Obviously, he seems to be a great talent and we hope to see a lot of him in IPL in near future. Today, there wasn't much help available for spinners today."
Home team captain Mandeep Singh warned the visitors, saying the defeat should be an "eye opener" for them.
Opener Mayank Agarwal accepted that the challenge for him now is cementing his place in Karnataka’s strong Ranji Trophy squad of which he was out of favour despite his India ‘A’ exploits.
"For me, it is important to score runs in whatever opportunities I get and focus on the process. Karnataka is a strong side and we have a lot of bonding. We enjoy each others’ success."
He also said that having played some of South Africa’s bowlers in the ‘A’ tri-series in Chennai, he was confident and helped him plan better.
"The wicket was on the slower side but you cannot deny that this was a quality attack."
Asked about his India ambitions after two good months with the ‘A’ team, Mayank gave a predictable reply.
"My job is to perform and score runs and selection is not in my hands. Yes, like every youngster, my dream is also to represent the country," said the Karnataka opener.