Asia

Indian bowling attack most challenging for me so far: Keegan Pietersen

January 17, 2022
Henry Club

South African rookie batsman Keegan Pietersen has admitted that the world-class Indian bowling attack was the most challenging bowling attack he has ever faced, but says he doesn’t want any other way to build on his nascent career.

The 28-year-old was adjudged the Player of the Series after his stellar performance with the bat against India in the three-match contest that South Africa won 2-1.

The stylish right-handed batsman was the highest run-scorer from both sides in the series, scoring 276 runs at an average of 46.00. He was the only player to score three half-centuries, recording scores of 72, 82 and 62, while his slip fielding was another hallmark of the series.

“It was the most challenging bowling I’ve ever had in my career, be it in first-class cricket or any form of cricket,” Pietersen was quoted as saying on the Cricket South Africa website.

“It hasn’t been an easy introduction to international cricket for me, but honestly I wouldn’t have it any other way,” he explained.

“My journey is unique and so is my story.”

Pietersen has now played five Tests for South Africa, although his last three innings – all against the West Indies – did not score many runs.

“It hasn’t completely subsided yet. I still can’t explain what it feels like to be there two days ago. Me, my family and all those close to us are still recovering in some way or the other.” It was a challenging series against one of the best bowling attacks in the world.

Pietersen said that he is proud to be part of a team that is trying to start something new in South African cricket.

“Whether I bat in the first two overs or after the 50 overs, I am grateful to have the opportunity to be there, playing among a group of people who are trying to start something new in South African cricket. Huh.

“We’re also trying to tell a new story together as a team.”

South Africa lost the first Test at Centurion by 113 runs, before returning with seven-wicket wins in Johannesburg and Cape Town.

It was the biggest win for the Proteas since Dean Elgar was appointed Test captain and Pietersen lauded the new captain’s leadership.

“Dino as our captain, he is going, he has it and he is going to achieve great things as a captain too. He is a fantastic leader and we would not want anyone else to lead us,” Peterson he said.

“Achievement for us as a team, we know the chips were down and the odds were against us, especially after the first game where we were beaten. It was not a good scenario, but looking at ways to come back after the game We had some strong conversations.

“It is just our personality and character as South Africa, even though we are downtrodden, we always come back fighting. We are like that and we have shown that during this series. Hopefully this will continue for years to come.”

Both the teams will now play in the three-match ODI leg of the tour starting here on Wednesday.

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