Zaheer is fit and raring to go, says Kirsten

The Indians had no more than a cursory glance at the pitch from their dressing room, and Kirsten chuckled as he spoke about the playing surface, “I haven’t actually been on the pitch but it looks a similar colour to the outfield!. We will see what comes up in two days’ time,” the former South African player said.

Kirsten was remarkably confident despite the drubbing in the first Test, and said India would have their batting plans ready if they are confronted with a similar track as in Centurion on day one.

“We’ve got to apply ourselves, we got to assess the situation and see what can we get out of this wicket as a batting unit. I thought we were hundred runs short in the last Test match. The preparation for this tour has been really good, the guys are working as hard as they have ever worked and I am happy from that point of view.

At the end of the day, they’ve got to get on the field and go and make a play out there. The players are determined; they are really motivated for this tour. There are going to give it their best shot, that’s all we can ask of the players,” Kirsten said.

Kirsten said the Raina issue had not yet been discussed, but emphasised that India had the bowling to get 20 wickets to win a Test here.

“We have shown in the last three years that we have the ability to get 20 wickets in any conditions. It’s up to us to prove to ourselves and everyone else that we can do that. It is nice to have Zaheer back; we look forward to whatever conditions are given to us knowing that we have some quality in our bowling line-up.”