‘Morne Morkel is the enemy now’ ahead of India vs South Africa Tests

With Test cricket returning to the iconic Eden Gardens this week, the much-anticipated India vs South Africa series is set to begin under plenty of pressure and spotlight. Led by the young Shubman Gill, India will face the reigning World Test Championship winners in a two-match series starting November 15 in Kolkata and concluding in Guwahati.

Amid build-up to the series, former South Africa captain and SA20 League Commissioner Graeme Smith brought both analysis and humor, making headlines at an SA20 promotional event in Mumbai. When asked about former Proteas fast bowler Morne Morkel—now India’s bowling coach under Gautam Gambhir—Smith fired off a cheeky remark:

“Morne Morkel is the enemy now.”

Smith backs spin duo, says Eden a good starting point

While South Africa’s pace attack led by Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen will likely draw the most attention, Smith singled out the visiting spinners—Keshav Maharaj and Senuran Muthuswamy—as vital to the Proteas’ chances in India.

“Eden Gardens is not a bad place for starting the series. The two spin options that we have (Maharaj and Muthuswamy) are really good. Taking 20 wickets in a Test match is the most important thing. I have confidence in the side,” Smith stated on Wednesday.

In a two-Test series, every session counts—and both Smith and Faf du Plessis emphasized that a strong start could dictate the outcome of the tour.

“When you start the series well, then the rest of the series becomes easier. Expectations are always high. For the last 12-14 months, we have done well. We did well in Pakistan also. There is a lot of talk about spinning conditions. It’s unfortunate that we have only two Tests,” Du Plessis lamented.

“That’s the downside of the new Test schedule. I am a believer of a minimum of three Tests.”

Smith echoed those sentiments on momentum being critical in such a short format.

“Sport is all about confidence. South Africa would arrive with their confidence. However, confidence also quickly goes when you lose a Test match. It will be very important for them to get that momentum,” said Smith, who famously led South Africa to over 50 victories as skipper.

Pace will set the tone early in the series

With Indian conditions expected to assist spin later in the match, Smith highlighted that the outcome could hinge on how both sides handle elite fast bowling early on—particularly Jasprit Bumrah and Kagiso Rabada.

“Countering Bumrah will be key. Spinners will come into play later on. But if you are two or three down before the spinners come to play, then that will hit you hard. So, tackling Bumrah will be key. The same goes for India. Tackling Kagiso Rabada will be key.”

A heavyweight contest in a condensed format

With just two Tests on the itinerary, the margin for error is razor-thin—raising the stakes for both teams. For India, it’s a chance to solidify a new leadership era under Gill. For South Africa, it’s about defending their status as WTC champions in one of the toughest away assignments in cricket.

As the series begins in Kolkata, the stage is set not just for cricketing excellence but also for high-pressure decisions, tactical duels, and the kind of moments that define Test series—even if they only last two matches.

Click here to read article