Published: Aug 17, 2013, 08:41 AM (IST)
Edited: Aug 17, 2013, 08:41 AM (IST)
Duncan Fletcher will look to survey conditions in South Africa and also keep an eye on players who will do well for India A before India’s tour to the Rainbow nation later in 2013 © AFP
Rustenberg (South Africa): Aug 17, 2013
Duncan Fletcher will oversee the India A team in South Africa for the two four-day matches against the South Africa A, according to a report.
The Indian national team head coach will be present for the first four-day match, which starts in Rustenberg on August 17 while the second match will be played at Pretoria from August 24-27.
India A team recently emerged victorious in the one-day tri-series featuring South Africa A and Australia A.
Leading the Indian side, Cheteshwar Pujara was upbeat about his team’s chances in the longer format as well.
“Winning the ODI series has given us a confidence boost going into the four-day series. We played really well throughout that series, except for a couple of close games against Australia that we lost,” Pujara was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
South Africa A skipper Justin Ontong, on the other hand, said the change in format would provide his men an opportunity step up their game.
“We are in a very good space as a unit. Our four-day disciplines are where we want them to be. We are encountering new opposition, so it is a new challenge for us, and also a new opportunity for players to put in some noteworthy performances,” Ontong said.
