Mumbai, Nov. 13 -- Former South Africa captain Graeme Smith emphasised the importance of getting off to a strong start in the upcoming Test series against India, saying the Kolkata pitch offers good batting conditions but warned that teams falling behind in the subcontinent often find it tough to recover.

South Africa, the World Test champions, will engage in an enticing battle with India on Friday, as Test cricket returns to Eden Gardens after six years.

Sharing his views during an SA20 event in Mumbai about the upcoming series, Smith said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo, "I'm hoping that with the first Test in Kolkata, it's generally quite a good place to bat, get good value for runs. It's a stadium that, especially when it's full, will re...