There’s a lesson there for Amla and South Africa as it tries to draw level in the series. Adding to that, Amla has ruled out playing three frontline spinners at the moment.
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But the present situation is not favoring South Africa by any means. It will be very hard for a fast bowler to repeat that feat on this surface. Dale is the No 1 Test bowler in the world and he’s dying to get out there and do his magic. The whole of India has accepted that there is no stopping AB de Villiers – who has flourished in Tests as well. All South Africa need is one big partnership, or two biggish ones, to post their first big total of the series.
The fast bowler asserted that his team would surely win the match if they manage to control their game plans and execute well. At times the pitches offered turn, at times the mental block created by the fear of spin monsters brought about South Africa’s downfall. We came here to try and win the series.
India’s batsmen, moreover, have spent precious little time in the middle so far.
Ashwin had JP Duminy snapped up by Ajinkya Rahane in the slips before Jadeja grabbed a return catch off Dane Vilas (15) in a double blow that had the South Africans hopping at 6-159.
Allan Donald says one should write off Steyn at one’s own risk; admits Kohli’s leadership gives India edge Dale Steyn may be out – he is injured now and is unlikely to play the third Test – but not down. A solid contribution from their captain could be just what South Africa needs to spark a revival. Rahul has performed well in five Tests he has played yet with two centuries in his bag. This stadium had hosted the first worldwide Test between India and Australia in November, 2008.
Although the Test was well and truly washed out, there was reason for India to be happy as opener Shikhar Dhawan found some form with an unbeaten 45 runs. He has an excellent first-class record, with nine hundreds and an average of almost 44, and the confidence of his captain. It does allow us to play with risk, but that is the mentality that we came here with, we came here to win the series.
India have hit back on tracks tailor-made for spinners after losing a preceding five-game one-day series 3-2 and a three-game Twenty20 worldwide series 2-0. No player is able to play spin. Both Stiaan van Zyl and Faf du Plessis have looked miserable against Indian spinners, being shot down by the idea of turn and not actually the turn, on most of the occasions.
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Given the current injury situation, Morkel is likely to spearhead the attack in the absence of Dale Steyn who still has a question mark surrounding his participation after his groin strain and with Vernon Philander having his tour ended due to an ankle injury.
