Former fast bowler Allan Donald is waiting with bated breath for the upcoming Test series between South Africa and India, which he believes will be a closely contested battle between two outstanding teams under Dean Elgar and Virat Kohli.

India will be gunning for their first-ever Test series win in South Africa when the two teams lock horns in opening match in Centurion on December 26. It will be followed by the second Test at Wanderers in Johannesburg from January 3 to 7 and third Test at Newlands in Cape Town from January 11 to 15.

“There is no doubt this is one of the marquee series in the world game and we can look forward to an incredible battle over the summer. This is a quality Indian team that is here. I’m looking forward to it,” Donald, who played 72 Tests and took 330 wickets, said on Cricket South Africa’s official website.

Donald, who was one of the fastest bowlers in the world, also recalled Test captain Kohli’s comments in terms of performing overseas, believing it worked in transforming his team into a formidable side.

“Kohli’s comments a few years ago were that you’ll never be classed as a great side if you don’t win away from home and that has been something he really worked towards. You saw them win in Australia and also reach the WTC (World Test Championship) Final,” Donald added.

Donald also pointed out that South Africa’s inexperienced batting lineup will be put to test against the lethal Indian bowling attack comprising Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohd. Siraj, Ishant Sharma, Shardul Thakur and Ravichandran Ashwin.

“For me that is where the series will be decided. In the last few seasons, we haven’t scored enough runs and that will be the challenge. If we can put the runs on the board, we undoubtedly have the bowlers who can take 20 wickets. There is a really good balance to our attack, and it will be interesting to watch.

“Both teams line up really well, both have strong bowling line-ups and that will mean the batting on both sides will be tested. Our batting has lost some key players in the last couple of seasons. There’s no hiding from the fact that it’s a young line-up and they will be tested by the Indian attack,” Donald said.