SA coach says 'great not to have Tendulkar around'

After 'Master Blaster' Sachin Tendulkar's retirement last month, in the first of a two-Test series against South Africa, the hosts are reportedly set to have a massive edge because of the former batsman's absence.

Tendulkar retired last month with more than 34,000 international runs in his name along with a slew of batting records.

However, the speed, bounce and swing of top ranked South Africa's all-pace attack saw India's batsmen struggle while there was also a hammering for their bowlers in three one-day internationals between the two sides over the last fortnight, Sports24 reports.

South Africa coach Russell Domingo said that the Indian team has always had issues playing pace in South Africa and they wanted to put doubts in their mind in terms of the way they place pace.

Bowler Dale Steyn also warned that it is not Mumbai where the ball doesn't get higher than the stumps and it is going to be hard for them to play here.

Domingo further said that Tendulkar was a big player for India and a calming influence in the dressing room and it will be great not having him there.