India will struggle against our pacers: Mark Boucher

Keeper Boucher says Dhoni's men will have a tough task dealing with SA pacers today

Keeper Boucher says Dhoni's men will have a tough task dealing with SA pacers today

South African wicketkeeper Mark Boucher, said India will have a tough task of trying to chase down 340 runs on the fifth and final day of the Test match.

South African Mark Boucher celebrates his half century on the fourth day of the third Test against India at Newlands yesterday. Pic/AFP

"India will have a really tough challenge because we have two bowlers who can bowl at over 145 mph. The bounce in this surface is up-and-down, it will be nasty to face these guys," said Boucher, who was involved in a potential series-clinching 103-run partnership with Jacques Kallis yesterday.

The 'keeper threw down the gauntlet at India saying the hosts would go all out to try and clinch the Test series. "India showed a lot of aggression at Durban. It is our turn to do that now. We want to see if they can handle it when we turn up the heat," an aggressive Boucher said.

Kallis in pain
Boucher paid a towering tribute to his good friend Kallis. "There are fewer people in world cricket, who can handle pressure better than him. He was in unbelievable pain, took about four to five injections and just kept going. It goes to show his character. People keep talking about other cricketers, but in my eyes, we have one of the greatest in our team. He is on another league," said Boucher.

Meanwhile, Harbhajan Singh put the blame on his fast bowlers for allowing South Africa to recover from 130-6 to 340 all out. "We could have created more chances with our fast bowling. There was a lot of bounce and carry."

Cautious approach
As for India's approach today, he said:u00a0 "Our initial approach (in the fourth innings) will be to try and see the new ball through. But, if we play the new ball well, then any total can be chased down. We need a 100-0 kind of start. I'm hoping for the best," he added.

Meanwhile, Harbhajan informed that Gautam Gambhir, who suffered a blow on his left elbow a day before, would miss the forthcoming one-day series.

"He didn't take the field due to injury. He will miss the ODIs. We are hoping he can open the innings for us tomorrow," concluded Harbhajan.