India series all about fine-tuning for Proteas: Tabraiz Shamsi

Proteas spinner Tabraiz Shamsi believes the team are up for the challenge of taking on India in their home conditions starting this week.

The Proteas, who arrived on the subcontinent at the weekend, will play three T20 internationals before a three-match one-day international series as they enter the final phase of preparations ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup next month.

Shamsi said the team were busy nailing down their final few practice sessions before the first T20 on Wednesday (3.30pm SA time).

Shamsi said while SA had one eye on the global showpiece Down Under in October, they would not take the India series lightly as it was a chance to fine-tune their game.

“We have just arrived and the guys are pretty excited to be back together,” the Titans unorthodox wrist-spinner said.

“Leading up to the World Cup I am sure there are a few things the coaches and captain might want to tinker with, which is OK. It is all about fine-tuning the way they see fit and being ready for the World Cup.

“Having said that, this series is also quite important and we are here to try to win it too.”

Shamsi was part of the last SA team to tour India earlier this year, where he played in four of the five T20 matches in the 2-2 series stalemate.

The former world-leading T20 bowler took just one wicket across his four outings while conceding over 100 runs. However, he said always enjoys the challenge of bowling to India.

“We are a bowling unit — on some days some guys will be off the mark, and on others those guys may do well. A few sixes here and there won’t make much of a difference, especially in T20 cricket.”

On the difference between playing in Indian and Australian conditions, Shamsi said: “It is quite different, the pitches will be different in Australia and especially the ground sizes.

“The boundary sizes in India tend to be on the smaller side, whereas in Australia they are a lot bigger.

“As a bowler, it is quite different, but there are always things you can work on, and we have a great opportunity to bowl at these Indian batsmen. They will be in our group at the World Cup.

“For me, it is an opportunity to bowl against the guys and observe, possibly picking up one or two things I can use against them at the World Cup.”