'I want to test myself against the best': Gerald Coetzee is pumped up to face Rohit Sharma & Virat

Stakes will be high when India take on South Africa in a two-match Test series starting from Boxing Day. Having already conquered the ODI series 2-1, the onus will be on the visitors to come with all guns blazing in the longer format. India haven't won a Test series on the South African soil so far.

3 things you need to know

• India to face South Africa in a two-match Test series
• They have never won a Test series in the country
• Gerald Coetzee has been a sensation for the Proteas

Gerald Coetzee will be a formidable force against India

The Proteas were pretty defiant with their form in the ODI World Cup and were one of the finalists in the tournament held in India. They failed to shed their chokers tag but Gerald Coetzee emerged as one of the powerhouse talents. The fast bowler picked up 20 wickets in his inaugural tournament and stamped his supreme authority.

He will now be tasked to inflict major damage on Rohit Sharma and Co. The surface of the SuperSport Park generally helps the pacers and Coetzee will be eager to take advantage of the conditions. Ahead of the first Test, Coetzee admitted that he is excited to face the likes of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

Gerald Coetzee is pumped up ahead of the first Test against India

In an interaction with RevSportz he said, ““The Test series against India will be my toughest challenge in the longest format. I want to test myself against the best. Virat Kohli and Rohit are big players. I am a competitor and want to be tested at the highest level. But for them, I don’t think it will be anything new. They are class batters. I will be a great learning experience for me.” 

The Mumbai Indians pacer also revealed he is a big fan of Dale Steyn and former South African pacer helped him a lot in his career. “My cricketing hero was Dale Steyn. I met him when I was going through a rough patch in red-ball cricket. He was very helpful and we had coffee together. I share a good relationship with him and hopefully, I play under him in the future.