Former all-rounder Albie Morkel is expecting the Proteas to ‘at least compete’ in this month’s ODI series against India.

India and South Africa will contest three ODIs in Dharamsala, Lucknow and Kolkata in March 2020. The last time the Proteas toured India for a bilateral ODI series was in 2015. The tourists won that series 3-2. South Africa, however, have lost eight of the last 10 ODIs against the Indians.

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The Proteas, who have a relatively new head coach in former wicketkeeper-batsman Mark Boucher, recently beat Australia 3-0 in ODI cricket. India, meanwhile, lost an ODI series to New Zealand 3-0.

‘It was sort of a mixed summer before the new coaching staff took over. Obviously, they had a fantastic win against Australia in the ODI series, after losing the T20 series badly. So, I’m unsure,’ Morkel was quoted by Sportstar.

‘Even if a team is in top form, beating India in India is almost an impossible task. It’s going be a tough series for them, but I do expect them to at least compete. India will win it 2-1, but South Africa should compete, especially now that they have the confidence after the series against Australia.’

Morkel played one Test, 58 ODIs and 50 T20Is between 2004 and 2015. He retired from all forms of cricket in 2019, after a stint with the Durban Heat in the inaugural Mzansi Super League. He had plenty of experience of conditions in the sub-continent, after stints with the Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Daredevils, Rising Pune Supergiants and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League.

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