South Africa pacer Vern Philander wants team's senior players to take responsibility and throw "first punch" at "big dogs" India in upcoming three-match Test series starting October 2. opening Test against India will mark start of South Africa's ICC World Test Championship campaign and Philander said it is going to be a tough battle first up. It will be first Test series for South Africa since retirements of experienced players such as Hashim Amla and Dale Steyn. South Africa will look to kick-start ir ICC World Test Championship campaign after drawing T20 series 1-1 with India.

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A tough start, says Vern Philander

"It's a tough start playing India in India but I don't think South Africans would have wanted it any or way take big dogs in ir home ground," he was quoted as saying by ICC. "All of us are looking forward to this challenge and re are a lot of player-to-player challenges as well. spotlight will be on a lot of big players to make a statement. Our job is to come here and give first punch as India is obviously expected to do well," said Philander after conclusion of final day of practice game. We are kwn as a team who starts slow so this time around we have to start well. re is a lot of pressure on players (but n) it's international cricket and you want to keep it that way."

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Philander wants seniors to leave behind legacy

Philander, who had picked up 15 wickets during South Africa's last Test series against India in 2018, wants senior players to leave behind a legacy for youngsters. "We have lost some senior players and re are new players coming in and we want m to learn quickly. Hopefully, we can use experience of senior players that are still around and mold this into a good Test side for years to come. That's most important part, to lay a good foundation for players to take forward," he said. Philander, who made his Test debut in 2011, geared up for opening Test by taking two wickets and scoring 48 during drawn three-day warm-up game between Board President's XI and South Africa here. "It's always good to have some time out in middle. Fortunately for me, I came here a couple of days earlier to join A-side to get a bit of game time," said 34-year-old, who has taken 214 wickets at an astounding aver of 21.64. "Mainly it's just about getting a feel for wickets. It is going to be a tough series, obviously, so more time you spend out re in middle, better." Talking about World Test championship, Philander said: " Test championship brings in a new dimension. It is a new sort of excitement for players. Also kwing that you will be playing against top teams more often (is great). "We are obviously prepared to do well. When we do well, it gives you that better confidence and I'll take that confidence with me. It's been a long winter for me and I am feeling in really good nick."

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