Our bowlers have the ability to pick 20 wickets, says Kirsten

DURBAN - India coach Gary Kirsten Friday said his bowlers can pick up 20 wickets in a match and they have to prove it again in the Boxing Day Test against South Africa starting Sunday.

“Bottom line is, we need to get 20 Test wickets. I think we have shown in the last three years that we have the ability to get 20 Test wickets in any conditions. It’s up to us to prove to every one that we can do that here,” said Kirsten.

The South African hoped that the return of pace spearhead Zaheer Khan will boost the pace attack.

“Obviously nice to have Zaheer back. We look forward to whatever conditions are given to us, and we have the quality in our bowling line-up as well,” he said.

About the pitch at the Kingsmead Stadium, Kirsten said: “Looks a similar colour to the outfield. Let’s see what comes up in two days’ time.”

Kirsten said it would be important to score 400 in the first innings.

“We know that if one of our top six is getting a decent score, a big hundred, we are going to get a score in excess of 400. We were well prepared for the last Test. It was a tough wicket to bat on on the first day. We probably let ourselves down a bit. We have got to assess the situation and get the best we can get out of the surface as a batting unit. I felt we were 100 runs short in the last Test, and we have got to apply ourselves.

“The preparation has been very good. The guys are working as hard as they have ever worked. I am happy from that point of view. At the end of the day they have to get on the field and make a play. The players are determined, they are really motivated to do well. They are going to give it their best shot, that’s what we can ask of the players,” he said.