Senior SA players should throw first punch at 'big dogs' India: Philander

South Africa pacer Vernon Philander wants the team's senior players to take responsibility and throw the "first punch" at "big dogs" India in the upcoming three-match Test series starting October 2.

The opening Test against India will mark the start of South Africa's ICC World Test Championship campaign and Philander said it is going to be a tough battle first up.

"It's a tough start playing India in India but I don't think the South Africans would have wanted it any other way take the big dogs in their home ground," he was quoted as saying by the ICC.

"All of us are looking forward to this challenge and there are a lot of player-to-player challenges as well."
"We are known as a team who starts slow so this time around we have to start well. There is a lot of pressure on players (but then) it's international cricket and you want to keep it that way."
"Mainly it's just about getting a feel for the wickets. It is going to be a tough series, obviously, so the more time you spend out there in the middle, the better."