'Bowling a strength'

Barnes feels bowling is South Africa’s strong point at home, and he is banking on Steyn to come up with the goods in the first Test against India starting December 16 at the Centurion.

Indians are scheduled to play a three-Test series and five one-day internationals here. “I know there is lately a lot of talk about our inability to take 20 wickets, but I am confident that we would able to do that here at home,” Barnes told the ‘Sport 24’.

“The conditions are difficult for batsman in South Africa and we look to cash in on it against the Indians.”

On the form of world No 1 Test bowler Steyn, Barnes said: “Dale was a bit rusty at the start of the series against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi last month, but you could see him improve by every game. And by the end of the series, he was nearly at his best.”

“He now seems well under way for the upcoming series. It was very nice to see him at full speed at the nets yesterday, “said Barnes.