With the series levelled 1-1, India will heavily depend on their star-studded
batting line-up for a morale-boosting overseas series triumph as they go into
the third and final cricket one dayer against South Africa here tomorrow.
The six-wicket victory in the second game yesterday has not only restored the
balance in the three-match series but has also presented India with an ideal opportunity
to revive their sagging fortunes following the World Cup debacle.
A viral bug and fitness problems to some key players took a toll on the Indians
in the first game but Rahul Dravid has now found just the right combination
to go for the kill against the South Africans, who also promised to field a
full-strength squad.
Sachin Tendulkar, who has shown glimpses of his vintage
form with scores of 99 and 93 in the series, will have to play a big role in
the crucial game at Stormont where India will again miss the services of paceman
S Sreesanth, who has not recovered from flu.
Ajit Agarkar, who had to sit out both the matches with
cold and fever, was expected to be available for the game which will test India's
ability to handle pressure in crunch situation.
The series-levelling victory yesterday has not only strengthened
the morale of Dravid's men, but also reaffirmed the team management's faith
in the abilities of match-winners like Yuvraj Singh and Dinesh Kaarthick.
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