Fortunate to have great depth in side: Amla

BACK IN THE HUNT: India's bowling attack would be bolstered with the return of Ishant Sharma (left), seen going through the drill alongside fellow pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

Injuries to Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander are a cause for concern for the South Africans, but captain Hashim Amla is confident that there is enough depth in the squad to get the job done in their absence.

While Steyn suffered a groin strain in the first Test at Mohali, Philander stepped on Dean Elgar’s foot and twisted his left ankle. Morne Morkel and Kyle Abbott are expected to replace the duo in the second Test here.

“Yes, I think Dale and Vernon have both been ruled out. Losing Dale — one of the best bowlers in the world — and Philander — arguably the best all-rounder in the world — certainly changes the dynamics of the team. But the guys who will replace them are quality cricketers. We are fortunate to have great depth in our side, especially in the bowling. A series is usually won with 15 players, not just 11,” Amla said here on Friday.

The visiting skipper stated that conditions at the Chinnaswamy Stadium will be different from that seen at Mohali. “I’ll have a look at the pitch tomorrow, but with these conditions and moisture around, it does not seem similar to Mohali,” he said.

Amla praised star batsman A.B. de Villiers, who will compete in his 100th Test match here. “We all enjoy the fact that AB (de Villiers) is playing his hundredth game. As a South African, we know that this is an amazing feat. Hopefully, he gets into the park and wins the game for us — that will be ideal for him and for us,” he said.

Welcoming Ishant’s return

India skipper Virat Kohli, meanwhile, welcomed the return of pacer Ishant Sharma, who is set to feature here match after serving a one-Test suspension. Ishant had grabbed eight wickets is his previous international fixture — the third Test at Sri Lanka.

“Ishant brings in a lot of experience. He has bowled well in sub-continent conditions, he knows how to bowl reverse-swing, and he can lead the pace attack. I would rather have a guy who will give me control in an important time in the game rather than someone who will just get the overs out of way. Ishant brings a lot to the table — given the way he is bowling and the way that he bowled in Sri Lanka,” said Kohli.

The 27-year-old is hopeful that the Chinnaswamy Stadium will attract bigger crowds than that witnessed at Mohali. “We hope that more people come to watch this match, because it is part of an exciting series between two exciting and strong teams,” Kohli said.