Ahmedabad, Apr 1: South African team is confident to meet the Indian spin challenge in the second test beginning on Thursday in Ahmedabad, said coach Mickey Arthur.

Addressing media in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, Arthur said that the performance of the Proteas in the subcontinent has always been remarkable.

"We do a lot of practice in the Indian subcontinent. We played six test matches, which gave us confidence. I think we play spin as well as anybody in the world. Now I am really comfortable with our ability to deal with the spin specially in the subcontinent," said Arthur.

South Africa holds the psychological edge going into the second test beginning on Thursday against an India team weighed down by major fitness issues.

India would play without Sachin Tendulkar because he is suffering from a groin injury, while a final decision on the fitness of captain Anil Kumble will be taken on the eve of the Test on Wednesday.

Yuvraj Singh or the recalled Mohammad Kaif is expected to replace Tendulkar.

South Africa is expecting a sub-continent treble after winning a test series in Pakistan last year and in Bangladesh in March.

ANI