Front foot defence: Sachin Tendulkar’s advice to break South Africa’s bowling

Sachin Tendulkar threw some advice towards the Indian team to beat the Kagiso Rabada-Lungi Ngidi lock in South Africa’s bowling attack and said that “front foot defence” against the new ball will be crucial in the three-match Test series scheduled to start on Sunday.

“I have always said, front foot defence is important. Upfront, front foot defence is important. And that front foot defence is going to count here. The first 25 overs, front foot defence is going to be critical” the cricket legend said in an interaction with Boria Majumdar.

Tendulkar cited the performances of India’s opening duo KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma against the English cricket team and said the reason they could play a consistent game was the ability to deal with the ball close to their body.

Also See: In pics: Team India warms up to take on South Africa in Test series

“That was what we got to see in England when Rohit and Rahul got those runs. They got beaten on occasion and that’s fine. Every batter gets beaten. Bowlers are there to pick wickets, so that’s okay. But when your hands start going away from your body, that is when you are likely to edge the ball”, he said on the show ‘Backstage with Boria’, according to reports from NDTV.

However, Rohit Sharma will not be playing the upcoming Test match series against South Africa due to a hamstring injury sustained during training. KL Rahul has been put in the position of Vice-Captain, while Priyank Panchal will be filling in the empty spot.

According to reports from NDTV, Mayank Agarwal is likely to accompany KL Rahul at the opening game in Centurion.

The second Test game is scheduled to begin on January 3 at the Wanderer’s Stadium in Johhanseburg while the third game will be played in Newlands, Cape Town on January 11, 2022.