Bangalore will come through the test, says Jennings

It’s not a situation they are unaccustomed to, having had to stage a rearguard action to make the semifinals of IPL II in South Africa earlier this year. “In IPl, we lost four of the first five games,” pointed out Ray Jennings, the coach of the IPL runners-up.

“We are a side that can come back and fight. We have a lot of fighters, a good blend between experience and youth. I am looking forward to watching the guys, if they can deliver the goods tomorrow.”

Stressing the need to get off to a winning start, the South African went on, “It is important seeing that we haven’t got points going into the first round of the second portion of the tournament.”

Delighted with the way Anil Kumble’s boys have shaped up, he said, “It was a unique batting display by Duminy that took the first game away from us, but I believe we are well prepared.

“I am very comfortable where we are at the moment. The unit’s working well together, they are very happy. We got two world-class spinners who work well together. They will be a handful and if (Dale) Steyn plays, it’s going to be even better.”

Bushrangers skipper Cameron White played for the Challengers in IPL I.  “To come here and play here in this awesome stadium is going to be a great experience for us against a really strong Bangalore unit. I am looking forward to the challenge,” said White.

“The noise at the ground is one of the things I have been talking to the guys about. It will be really intimidating, really loud. If they get on a bit of a roll, it will be tough for us to come back.”

Referring to the twin threats of Robin Uthappa and Ross Taylor, he observed, “They have been playing really well. It will be up to us to come up with some good plans, especially at the end of the innings.”