JOHANNESBURG, Nov 18: India are likely to lean heavily on spinners Harbhajan Singh and Anil Kumble in the one-day series against South Africa which starts on Sunday.

“It's great to have both players available because they are world class,” captain Rahul Dravid told reporters on Saturday.

“Anil was picked for this tour for his experience and because of the conditions we expect.

“This is an opportunity ahead of the World Cup to get him in the squad and for him to be a part of the team. We are likely to utilise Harbhajan and Anil in a lot of games in this series.”

Dravid said he would like to field five specialist bowlers and backed his batsmen to produce enough runs in conditions in which they have traditionally struggled.

“Six batsmen should be able to do the job,” he said. “We have proven players, all over the world, and a number of us have got runs here before, against South Africa and in the 2003 World Cup.”

India lost their only warm-up match before the five-game series when they were beaten by 37 runs by the Rest of South Africa in Benoni on Thursday.

Dravid, however, was unconcerned. “We had just stepped off the plane and it was an above-average bouncy pitch against a good attack. But we know we have to adapt so it was a good early lesson,” he said.

South Africa captain Graeme Smith said his team were excited about playing at home again. “We always enjoy playing at home and it's fantastic being back here for the summer,” he said. “We may be the favourites but that's only on paper and we need to make a good start on Sunday.” Smith said South Africa were undecided whether to play spinner Robin Peterson or an extra seamer.

India are sweating on the fitness of opening batsman Virender Sehwag. Sehwag split the ring finger on his right hand at Benoni and needed four stitches.

“We're pretty confident Sehwag will be able to play,” said Dravid. “He came through nets today and batted well. He will just have to have a final test with a fielding session.”

Zaheer Khan and Ajit Agarkar are set to lead the Indian seam attack alongside Irfan Pathan.—Reuters