India will be looking to secure an historic series win when they meet the Proteas at the Wanderers in the second of three Tests commencing today.
South Africa spent much of the first Test chasing the game after a poor start, while India hit the ground running.
The Proteas huddle before the start of Day One of the first test between the New Zealand Black Caps and South Africa Proteas at Hawkins Basin Reserve in Wellington, New Zealand on Thursday, 16 March 2017. Photo: Dave Lintott / lintottphoto.co.nz
The two sides are evenly matched in the bowling department but the tourists batting has been the difference so far.
South Africa vs India | 3 – 7 January | The Wanderers, Johannesburg
To Win Match
South Africa 11/4 | Draw 22/10 | India 11/10
- South Africa
The first Test loss would frustrate skipper Dean Elgar, who must feel that the margin of victory was wider than the gap between the two sides.
However, the Proteas need to improve with the bat with a particular focus on the top four.
Elgar was the only batter in that top four to pass fifty in the first Test with Temba Bavuma (Coming in at five and six) winding up as the pick of the batsmen.
There will be at least one forced change with Quinton de Kock retiring from Test cricket and heading off on paternity leave the door is opened for Kyle Verreynne to add to his two Tests.
Duanne Olivier is still in doubt with a hamstring niggle but may pass fit to make his return to the Test team at the Wanderers.
- India
India could not be happier with the way they started the tour from the toss going their way to the brilliant batting performance from KL Rahul which was the difference between the sides.
It goes without saying that India now have one of the best pace attacks in the world with an excellent blend of skills and attributes that ensures they can take 20 wickets on almost any surface.
Virat Kohli’s individual form is still a concern despite the India skipper showing he is still in fantastic touch and it seems that he is struggling with the mental aspects of the game.
Mohammad Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami are the three key men in this India side for this series; expect them to take bags of wickets between them.
Verdict: India 11/10
India can wrap up the series and make history if they hold their nerve.
- Betting supplied by Hollywoodbets – subject to change
