India vs South Africa 1st T20I: Bavuma reveals team is drinking more water than beer
The first match of the five-match T20 series between India and South Africa will be held on Thursday (June 9) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. The mercury is set to reach around 43 degrees on Thursday, although the game is going on at 7 pm.
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma has admitted that it is difficult for his men to adjust to these conditions. Bavuma joked that his teammates back home are drinking ‘more water than beer’ to keep themselves hydrated.
“We expected it to be hot, but not so hot,” Bavuma told a news conference on Wednesday. “We are fortunate that the games are being played at night, when it is tolerable. During the day people try to take care of themselves as much as possible and drink a lot more water than the normal beer that they drink at home. They are trying to stay mentally fresh as much as possible.”
“We clearly want to win the series” – Lungi Ngidi before the opening T20I against India#INDvSA #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/M7A5NeYbKz
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) June 8, 2022
Bavuma on Wednesday backed pacer Enrique Nortje to play a key role in the T20 International series against India despite his impressive performance in the Indian Premier League. Nortje has been out of international cricket since last year’s T20 World Cup due to a hip injury. The express pacer turned out for Delhi Capitals in the IPL after missing out on the opening few matches. However, he was far from his best.
“Enrique is a big player for us, an integral part of the bowling unit. When he joined the IPL he had got a major layoff due to injury,” Bavuma said on the eve of the first T20I against India.
“But the more he plays, the closer he gets to the level he is capable of. He is a vital member of the team and we expect him to perform accordingly.
The last time the two sides met, hosts South Africa had won five out of six matches during the tour, including three Tests and as many ODIs earlier this year. However, Bavuma & Co. will face a different looking, young Indian team.
“It’s an exciting series. We recently faced an Indian team but it’s a different looking team. There are many young fresher faces. People who want to prove themselves and claim positions within the Indian team They will be nothing short of an inspiration. We are not thinking that things will be the way they did in South Africa.”
(with PTI input)