Former Proteas spinner Paul Harris warns India against preparing a Bunsen at ‘iconic’ Eden Gardens

“Good luck preparing things that turn from day one.”

This is former Proteas’ left-arm spinner Paul Harris’ message to the BCCI and Team India ahead of the two-Test series starting at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Saturday. 

Harris, never far from a frank discussion, believes the visitors are more than equipped to match India in the spin department, if the hosts are to serve up Bunsen burners that spit and turn from the opening day as they have done on recent visits by the Proteas to the subcontinent. 

This was not without due cause though, after the Proteas, particularly under former coach Ottis Gibson and captain Faf du Plessis, produced spiteful pitches in South Africa that seamed and bounced uncontrollably when India visited these shores. 

Harris feels that the eye-for-an-eye period has run its course due to the Proteas being now well-equipped with a set of specialist spinners in Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer and Senuran Muthusamy.

The trio showed their worth on the recent Pakistan tour, where they were dominant with the ball, helping the Proteas to a share of the series, which coincided with a first Test win in Pakistan for 18 years. 

“They can’t prepare these turners that they keep preparing for everybody. Because it could backfire, like it did in Pakistan,” said Harris, who was part of the last Proteas team to win a Test in India 15 years ago.

“Good luck preparing things that turn from day one. Because, now we’ve got three spinners that, on their day, can bowl you out.

“It’ll be an interesting one to see what they prepare there. I don’t think they can go for an out and out spinning wicket. I think their best chance is to prepare a good Indian wicket that, sort of, deteriorates over time.”

Harris worked as a spin consultant with the national team during former Proteas coach Mark Boucher’s tenure and has since continued to follow the team’s fortunes closely to his long-time association with Maharaj.

He believes Maharaj, who recently passed 200 Test wickets, is the undoubted leader of the Proteas’ three-pronged spin arsenal.

“Kesh is by far the best spin bowler we’ve had since readmission By a long way. I can’t talk for the Hugh Tayfield’s because I never saw him bowl, but he must have been a helluva  bowler if he was better than Kesh. 

“And now, having two others with him. I mean, I think Simon Harmer is a fantastic bowler.

“I really do. And as a sort of backup off-spinner with so many left-handers in the game now, I mean, that gives you so many options. 

“Muthusamy has really impressed me. I mean, I didn’t think he was particularly very good with either bat or ball. I thought first-class cricket was his ceiling. But he’s proven me wrong.

And again, well played to him. I think on wickets that do something. But like they did now in Pakistan, he’s very dangerous. Because he bowls with a more rounder arm. And one spins, one doesn’t. And with the bat, he can contribute.”

With the first Test being played at the iconic Eden Gardens, Harris hopes the Proteas Class of 2025 can create happier memories in Kolkata than his personal experience. 

“Well, for me personally, it’s a little bit sad because we actually almost won the series there. Morne Morkel batted for like an hour and a half, I think, at the end, there were two overs left before he was dismissed by Harbhajan (Singh).

“We would have won the series. So, for me, it was a bit of a sad venue. But look, it’s changed quite a bit, I heard. 

“But, I mean, still, it’s probably the holy grail of Indian cricket. Yeah. I mean, playing a Test match at Eden Gardens is probably the most iconic stadium that there is.

“Maybe, one or two of the Mumbai stadiums might argue with me. But, in general, I mean, it’s a great place to play. It’s normally quite a good wicket there as well.

“So, it’s going to be interesting to see what they prepare, and hopefully the crowds come out.”