'Indians scared of our aggression'

South African pace spearhead Dale Steyn had indicated that the Indians were scared of the hosts’ high-quality pace bowling.

Ryan McLaren, Steyn’s pace bowling colleague, refrained from using the fear word, but emphasised that they scored over the Indians with their aggression.

“From the very start, we got together we wanted to set the tone up early. Make sure that we come to matches with high intensity and high energy. We managed to do so in Joburg (Johannesburg) and followed it up with Durban. We have kept up the intensity and psychologically we have made inroads going into the series I think,” said McLaren.

“But we are not a team that comes to a cricket field to find fear in opposition’s eyes, it’s all about playing good cricket as we can,” he added

McLaren expressed his disappointment that the series was cut short into just three one-dayers and two Tests. “There was anticipation of seven match series, and we ended up with three matches. It’s a bit disappointing. It’s great to see big crowds, great support in Joburg and Durban, thoroughly enjoyed the support.”

McLaren also said he enjoyed bowling along with Steyn. “Dale hasn’t been playing ODIs all year. As a bowling unit we have been used to performing without him. When he does come back, we obviously feed off his energy and aggression. He bowls with great pace. We have adapted to playing with him and without him.”

However, McLaren wasn’t ready to write off the Indians. “They are world number one ODI team for a good reason. They have got some good batters, lots of their top order batsmen have performed well over the year, including in the Champions Trophy. Maybe, it’s a case of just adapting to the conditions and also the fact that our bowling unit has bowled well in the first two matches.”