This series should settle whether India is a worthy number 1 team in Test cricket. In fact, for once the BCCI appears to have understood the importance of a Test series and given the Indian test cricketers sufficient time to acclimatize themselves with SA conditions.
As usual, on paper the Indian team appears formidable. Their batsmen are in fine form and the bowling has penetrative power and variety. However, the South African’s are no pushovers. They have batsmen who can counter the Indian bowling attack.
As usual, on paper the Indian team appears formidable. Their batsmen are in fine form and the bowling has penetrative power and variety. However, the South African’s are no pushovers. They have batsmen who can counter the Indian bowling attack.
Furthermore, on home grounds the SA batsmen are adept at playing medium pacers. This where, the likes of Sreesanth and Ishanth can dominate.The true pitches in SA will not only provide bounce but will increase their incisiveness.
Similarly, for SA, Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel can be devastating. However, SA lacks good support bowlers. Here, India scores over them as they have Harbhajan and to a lesser extent Ojha. If they come good, then they will be the difference between the two teams.
It is doubtful, whether India can replicate the strategy of piling on runs in their first innings to pressure the opposition. The Indian batsmen will have to have the stomach to battle for a win in the fourth innings. If the Indian batsmen can do that, then India may still be the number 1 team at the end of the series.
Similarly, for SA, Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel can be devastating. However, SA lacks good support bowlers. Here, India scores over them as they have Harbhajan and to a lesser extent Ojha. If they come good, then they will be the difference between the two teams.
It is doubtful, whether India can replicate the strategy of piling on runs in their first innings to pressure the opposition. The Indian batsmen will have to have the stomach to battle for a win in the fourth innings. If the Indian batsmen can do that, then India may still be the number 1 team at the end of the series.
2 comments:
The Indian batsmen will have to have the stomach to battle for a win in the fourth innings. If the Indian batsmen can do that, then India may still be the number 1 team at the end of the series.
India will still be the no.1 team after the sa series... Irrespective of results...
SP
I agree with you, Pan. But I was just driving home the point of them being worthy nof the number 1 slot.
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