Exclusive: Herschelle Gibbs Confident Proteas Will Make World Test Championship Final

Despite South Africa going down in the first T20I International (T20I) against India in Durban on Friday, former Proteas batsman Herschelle Gibbs believes the hosts will rebound strongly on the Highveld.

South Africa was thumped by 61 runs, and the second T20I will take place at sea level in Gqeberha on Sunday.

The series will then move up to Gauteng next week with the third and fourth T20Is taking place in Centurion and Johannesburg.

Speaking ahead of the first T20I, Gibbs was confident about the Proteas chances he told SportsBoom.com in an exclusive interview at the Gary and Vivienne Player Invitational at Sun City on November 8.

Gibbs expecting comfortable victory for South Africa

“I think Durban, PE [Gqeberha], anything can happen. I think those sorts of wickets will suit the Indians more,” said Gibbs.

“Then come Johannesburg and the Wanderers at Super Sport Park, I’m expecting some high scoring games. Anything can happen in those games.”

“After the first two games, the Proteas are with a full-strength team. India come with a team that's not as experienced. I'm expecting at least a 3-1 series win with the Proteas.”

With South Africa selecting a couple inexperienced players for the series like Andile Simelane who made his Proteas debut in the first T20I, Gibbs said it would always be difficult to make an impression from the start for the youngsters.

“There's been a couple that have been around for a few games. They've had a look-in. I think that it's about taking the opportunity. They don't always have as many games as they would like to have to make an impact,” told SportsBoom.com.

India can handle the pressure, no matter who takes the field

Though India is missing big names like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli after their retirements from the format after the T20 World Cup earlier this year, a talented India team could still be a handful for South Africa.

“I think they've got a lot of depth. Even though the big names are not here. They thrive on pressure and big occasions.

“They thrive on big crowds because they’re used to playing in front of big crowds. With the conditions in Durban and Port Elizabeth, they might fancy themselves there. Like I said, the last two games, anything can happen, and I expect big scores. India has the depth there. It'll be a good test.”

Proteas prospects of making World Test Championship final

Looking further ahead for the Proteas, they will welcome Sri Lanka and Pakistan for both limited overs and Test series in South Africa. However, with two Tests scheduled against both Sri Lanka (November 27 to December 9) and Pakistan (December 26 to January 7) that will be where South Africa place the biggest emphasis.

Should the hosts win all four Tests, they will book their spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final in June next year at Lord’s in London.

Gibbs was also expectant that the Proteas would win all four Tests.

“After a fantastic series win in Bangladesh, obviously the batters have a lot of confidence. You don't get tested much technically with regards to seam bowling in Bangladesh because there's no lateral movement.”