South Africa vs India 2018: 4 things that are in store for the second Test

The opening Test at Newlands proved to be a damper for the spirited Indian cricket fans. When the Indian bowlers bundled up South Africa’s second innings before Lunch on Day 4, the team was in with a real chance. There was a sense of excitement among the fans. But the prospect of India’s win was short lived as the scenario took a sharp turn in the next session.

The bandwagon now moves to Centurion with India trailing 0-1 where Virat & co. would be hoping for a change in their fortunes. Here is a look at the things that are set to change in the 2nd Test.

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Less hostile batting conditions

The Newlands pitch coupled with the breezy conditions turned out to be a nightmare for the batsmen. Apart from the ABD-Faf partnership and the heroics of Pandya, batsmen found it hard to occupy the crease for long periods of time.

Despite the rain eating up one day, the match got over in less than four days. Therefore, there would be pressure on the groundsmen of the SuperSport Park to dish out a more balanced wicket. Tegobo, a member of the Centurion ground staff says, “We don’t want a three-day Test again.”

Hence, the pitch for the second Test starting on Saturday is expected to be a little less hostile for the batsmen. Don’t expect a flat wicket; they don’t make those in South Africa. However, some respite for the batsmen is definitely on the cards.

Chris Morris replacing Steyn

Chris Morris is all set to make the South African XI as the replacement for Dale Steyn. Steyn picked up an injury to his left heel in the last over before tea on Day two of the first Test.

The Pretoria boy will fancy his chances on home turf. The 30-year old has the ability to crank up some serious pace and the Indian team would be wary of him and Morkel who will look to exploit the bounce from the SuperSport Park pitch.

Morris was out of action since incurring a lower back strain in the third Test against England in August.

Change in the Indian XI

The Team management came up with some surprising selections ahead of the first Test. After losing the match, a course correction is anticipated.

The prime contender for making the final cut is KL Rahul who will potentially replace Shikhar Dhawan from the XI. Dhawan has been struggling to cope with the rising deliveries.

Ishant Sharma is also a good bet keeping in mind the bouncy nature of the Centurion track.

Vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane who was benched in the first Test may have to wait for another match before getting a game. Virat has shown tremendous confidence in Rohit and is willing to give him a longer rope.

Extra bounce

SuperSport Park is a comparatively newer ground as compared to Wanderers and Newlands. It has made a name for itself due to its bounce over the years.

Thus, the Indian team seems to be stuck between a rock and a hard place. The batsmen were troubled by pace and movement in Newlands and the track in Centurion is expected to bother them with its bounce.

“It will be 50-50, a bit of bounce and a bit of seam movement,” said the ground staff. It is also expected to get two-paced as the match progresses.