India vs South Africa – 2nd Test Match Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is India vs South Africa taking place? Thursday, October 10th (05:00 UK time)
Where is India vs South Africa taking place? Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune
What is the expected weather for India vs South Africa? 30c with a chance of the occasional shower throughout the Test
What channel is India vs South Africa on? This match will be televised live in the UK on Star Gold HD (Sky channel 717)
Where can I stream India vs South Africa? This match will be streamed live on the SkyGo app
Where can I get tickets for India vs South Africa? Tickets for this match can be purchased here
LAST MEETING
India beat South Africa by 203 runs
THE TEAM NEWS
INDIA
- India came out on top in the first Test on day five as they managed to bowl the tourists out for 191 and seal a 203-run victory and they will be keen to push on in Pune to win the series at the first opportunity.
- Rohit Sharma repaid the faith in him shown by the Indian selectors as he hit a century in both innings and looked incredibly comfortable throughout, so he will retain his place in what could well be an unchanged line-up for Virat Kohli’s men.
- Paceman Mohammed Shami looked to be struggling with injury in the first innings of the first Test but he showed no signs of it in the second innings as his five wickets helped lead them to victory, while the spin duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Ravi Ashwin also played key roles with Ashwin returning to the top ten in the ICC World Rankings after his performance last time out.
SOUTH AFRICA
- South Africa lost what was their opening match in the inaugural Test Championship and that was after posting an impressive 431 in the first innings, and there will be plenty of positives they can take from that opening game despite a few doubts potentially creeping in after being bowled out for just 191 in their second innings.
- The manner of their second innings collapse on day five will frustrated them but the batting in the first innings with Elgar and De Kock’s centuries should give them some confidence, although they will hope De Bruyn and Bavuma can find some form quickly.
- The fundamental difference between the two teams clearly lies in the bowling attacks in these conditions as their inferior spin options are an issue, with Maharaj their only real threat, and Piedt and Muthusamy were both hit out of the attack at various stages in the first Test so the lack of quality and the threat of their pacemen being dulled by the pitch puts them at a major disadvantage.
THE PREDICTION
India looked incredibly comfortable in the first Test with the bat and then their bowlers took over on day five as the cracks in the pitch started to favour them. Batting first will be the order of the day once again and South Africa will be desperate to win the toss and hope that they can build a big lead to put the home side under some pressure. That said, the gulf in quality between the bowling attacks in these conditions is just too great and the Indian batsmen just look too comfortable and confident. Over the five days, India should eventually pick up yet another victory and seal the series win in Pune.
