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The three-match Test series between India and South Africa is poised well with both the teams claiming one win each. The two teams will clash in the all-important series decider at Cape Town from January 11-15.
After trailing by 0-1 and with the series on the line, South Africa bounced back strongly in the second Test at Johannesburg to defeat the visitors by seven wickets. The Men in Blue won the toss for the second time and chose to bat first, but South African bowlers did well to restrict India to 202 in the first innings.
In response, the hosts managed a crucial lead of 27 runs after posting 229 in their first innings. Indian batters were better again, scoring 266 and giving a target of 240. South African batters put together consistent partnerships, with Dean Elgar holding up one end to pull off a historic win. Elgar remained unbeaten on 96 as they defeated India at the Wanderers for the first time.
Earlier, India had breached a fortress at Centurion, where they defeated the hosts by 113 runs. As far as the World Test Championship standings are concerned, India sit at fourth place with 53 points from nine games. South Africa are right below with 12 points from two Tests.
History awaits for Virat Kohli’s men if they manage to come out triumphant in the third Test. The South African side has fought with equal intensity, and if the scenes from the second Test are anything to go by, expect a hard intense battle at Cape Town.
Key players
Mohammed Shami is amongst the very elite fast bowlers going around in Test cricket. The Indian pacer has claimed 206 wickets in his Test career from 56 matches at an average of 27.13. He has taken six five-wicket hauls with best figures of 6/56.
The right arm seamer has been superb in the ongoing series, picking 11 scalps from two games. Shami will remain a key player for India in the series decider.
Dean Elgar is known for his remarkable grit, and it was on full display in the fourth innings of the Johannesburg Test, where he led the team to a victory with an unbeaten 96.
The opening batter has scored 4549 runs in Test cricket from 71 matches at an average of 40.25, including 13 hundreds and 19 fifties. He has scored 202 runs in the series so far at 67.33 average.
Marco Jansen has burst onto the Test cricket scene in a magnificent way for South Africa. The tall left arm pacer was mighty impressive in the first two Tests, picking 12 wickets at an average of 18.50.
Jansen picked five wickets in the first game and followed it up with an even better 7/98 in the second. He can also contribute handy runs with the bat and will be a key asset for the hosts.
KL Rahul has seen an extraordinary change of fortunes in the last few months, from being a backup opener to leading India in a Test.
He has been outstanding at the top of the order since his return, scoring 519 runs in six Tests at an average of 43.25, including two hundreds and as many fifties. Rahul is the top run-scorer in this series, with 204 runs at an average of 51.
Prediction
This Indian side has been the best touring team in the world and are well capable of pulling off a victory at Newlands, where India have lost three games and drawn two. The series has already been a norm-breaker, with India breaching SA’s fortress and SA overcoming India’s strong venue.
India will be bolstered with captain Virat Kohli’s return, who missed the second game due to a back issue. KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal have done well at the top order, while Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane’s return to form is a big boost for the visitors.
The bowling unit had an off day on the fifth day at Johannesburg, but it remains very potent. One of Ishant Sharma or Umesh Yadav should come in to replace injured Mohammed Siraj.
South Africa haven’t got their selection right so far, with Keshav Maharaj not being able to make any impact. An extra specialist batter would do them a world of good. Elgar has been the star with the bat, while Keegan Petersen and Temba Bavuma have been very impressive.
Aiden Markram and Rassie van der Dussen getting some runs is also good news. The bowling unit has often lacked discipline in the series. Marco Jansen has been superb, while fired-up Kagiso Rabada did bowl a match-changing spell.
The early advantage India had of major quality difference seems to be diminishing, but their bowling attack remains superior and will walk into the Cape Town Test as slight favourites.
