India have won seven of their eight Tests at home against South Africa since February 2010 — the odd one being the washed-out match in Bengaluru in November 2015. The unbeaten streak began at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, the venue for the first of two Tests, starting on Friday.

Former South Africa captain Graeme Smith, in the city to promote the fourth season of SA20 (December 26 to January 25), feels it’s important for SA to start the Kolkata Test well. “Kolkata is generally a good place to bat. You get good value for runs and if the stadium is full, it will really motivate the South Africans to do well. If you get behind the game in the subcontinent, it’s very difficult to fight your way back. So, it’s important to start the tour well, especially for the batters,” said the SA20 League Commissioner.