 The
first Test was South African dominated, for most parts at least. South Africans took the game away by bowling India out for 139 in the first innings and despite Sachin Tendulkar's valiant efforts India found no way back in the game
The Proteas were very verbal and upbeat in their post match statements, Tests
and they demonstrated at Centurion that they were not only confident but also
ready to stake a claim for top spot in Test rankings.
Click for Live Score Card of South Africa Vs India
South Africa, going into the second Boxing Day Test at Durban won't be worried
about much other than Lonwabo Tsotsobe's performance in the first Test where he
returned with only one wicket. There were injury concerns before the start of
the series but they seem to be dealt with as South African fielded their strongest
side at Centurion and would do so again for Sunday's Boxing Day Test.
Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel have found their venom which they lacked
in UAE against Pakistan, both will look to form another batsman troubling partnership.
The team as a unit and individually is performing sturdily.
The rout of India came with many personal landmarks, such as career best figures
for Morkel, maiden double ton by Kallis and AB de Villiers scoring fastest
ever ton by a South African. All this things mean that South Africa will
continue to exert pressure on Dhoni's men. By the looks of it the South Africans
look hungrier for the series than the Indians. A must watch Test match awaits
us.
South Africa have won three of their last five Tests and drawing rest.
India were outplayed despite Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni's heroics
in the second innings. Even though India were bowled out for 139 in the first
innings, other than Suresh Raina's form, batting isn't the thing that concerns
India and Dhoni most.
It is their toothless bowling performance at SuperSports Park which has left the
team management scratching their heads. Zaheer Khan should play in the Boxing
Day Test, but the problem may still not go away with one man.
Ishant Sharma and Sreesanth were tamed by South Africans while Harbhajan went
for over four runs per over. Durban's bowling conditions are seamer friendly,
as the stadium is situated near the beach. It looks that India in spite of Zaheer Khan may not have the firepower to gain from the pitch. On the other hand
their batsmen would look to play with more intent as they did in the second
innings because Morkel and Steyn could and most probably would be more than
handful.
India have won three of their last five Tests with drawing and losing one each.
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