IND vs SA: 2nd Test Preview – Hosts aim to seal series on unpredictable Pune pitch

The Indian bowlers came up with a sensational performance on the final day of the 1st Test to inflict a heavy defeat on the Proteas. The home side will now look to carry forward the momentum in the Pune Test aiming to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. Victory will also see India extending their lead at the top of the ICC World Test Championship Table.

Heading into the Pune Test, the biggest talking point has been how will the pitch at the MCA Stadium behave. The previous Test held at the venue against Australia in 2017 was a rank turner. The contest concluded in only 3 days, with India tasting a heavy defeat and the ICC branding the playing surface as ‘poor’. The surface is expected to play much better this time around with assistance to both the pacers and the spinners. There has been some rain around in Pune and with some moisture expected on the pitch.

With the conditions and their overall performance in the Vizag Test, India are expected to persist with the same team combination. The Proteas, on the other hand, have some selection issues to ponder upon. Will they persist with three spinners or will they draft in another pacer to play to their strengths. They could also add an additional batsman to bolster a unit which crumbled on the final day of the first Test.

With the visitors always up for a fight, India will have to battle hard to procure a series victory. With the added mystery of the playing surface, the Pune Test will certainly be an interesting contest to watch out for with all the factors at play.

Match Info

India vs South Africa, 2nd Test

Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune (9.30 am IST)

Head-To-Head

Played – 37

India wins – 12

South Africa wins – 15

Draws – 10

Team News

India

The Indian bowling unit again performed admirably well and blew away the South African batting order on the final day of the first Test. The spinners dominated for most parts before Mohammad Shami finally came alive to pick up a 5-wicket haul. The batters too looked in good touch, with the openers Mayank Agarwal and Rohit Sharma particularly looking in imperious touch. With the all-round performance of the team in the first Test, India are unlikely to tamper with a settled combination.

South Africa

Considering how ineffective their spin trident was in the first Test, South Africa are likely to revert to their strengths. They have two quality pacers in Anrich Nortje and Lungi Ngidi on the bench. Either of the two is likely to make the playing XI, replacing Dane Piedt who failed to trouble the Indian batters with his off-spin. Theunis de Bruyn has also failed to convince at the all-important No. 3 position in the side. He could face competition for his place from Zubayr Hamza.

Key players

Ravichandran Ashwin (India): The off-spinner is a man on a mission. After being kept out of the playing XI during India’s tour of the Caribbean, the champion bowler made a sensational comeback in Vizag. He consistently outfoxed the batsman, reaching the landmark of 350 wickets with 8 scalps in the game. The Pune Test will be another opportunity for him to make a statement that he ought to be India’s first-choice spinner in all the fixtures ahead.

Dean Elgar (South Africa): The opener appeared to be the most proficient South African batsman against spin during the first Test. He showcased all the grit and determination which has made him such an effective batsman at the international level. The Proteas will hope that Elgar continues his form and anchors their batting innings throughout the Test match.

Probable XI

India: M Agarwal, R Sharma, C Pujara, V Kohli (c), A Rahane, H Vihari, W Saha (wk), R Jadeja, R Ashwin, I Sharma, M Shami

South Africa: D Elgar, A Markram, Z Hamza, T Bavuma, Faf du Plessis (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), V Philander, S Muthusamy, K Maharaj, K Rabada, L Ngidi

Stat Attack

• This will be Virat Kohli’s 50th Test match as India’s captain
• Ravichandra Ashwin needs 8 more scalps to reach 250 wickets at home
• Faf du Plessis needs 6 more runs to reach 2000 runs as captain of South Africa
• Keshav Maharaj is one short of a 100 wickets for South Africa