South Africa 'A' match springboard for Team India call up: Kaif

New Delhi, Sep 11 (UNI) India 'A' captain Mohammad Kaif today said the four-day match against South Africa 'A' starting here from September 13 would be an ideal platform for Team India hopefuls to prove their worth.

Speaking to reporters at the Ferozeshah Kotla grounds here, Kaif said, ''Our confidence is high after successful tours of Zimbabwe and Kenya recently. We are confident of doing well against South Africa 'A'.'' ''This four-day match is the right platform for the young players who aspire to play for the senior national team. This is also very important for those who are now out of Team India,'' he added.

Kaif said a fine show by his boys against South Africa 'A' will strengthen their claims for a possible Team India call up for the home series against Australia and Pakistan in October-November.

He said India 'A' has players like Suresh Raina, Ishant Sharma and Akash Chopra and they would get chance to boost their self confidence.

When asked about the strength of their opponents, Kaif said, ''South Africa 'A' are a good side and it has players who had played for their national team.'' ''They have Ashwell Prince, Hashim Amla and Boeta Dippenaar and it will not be easy to beat them,'' the middle order batsman said.

When asked about the Kotla pitch, Kaif said since it has been raining for the last two days it would be difficult to say now how it would behave.

''I would be able to tell how the pitch would behave tomorrow,'' the Uttar Pradesh player said.

Meanwhile, promising a good show by his side, South Africa 'A' captain Dippenaar said, ''Tour of India is always difficult for any team. Those who do well in Indian conditions will not only improve their game but also get a boost in their self confidence.'' ''Everybody knows spinners play an important role in slow Indian pitches. We have some good spinners in the squad and we have to see how they perform here. I am hoping they do well,'' added the visiting captain.

UNI