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***Official*** India in South Africa 2017/18

Motorwada

Motorwada

Banned
Bahseph said:
They should play Ashwin at Centurion. It would make more sense to not play him at the Wanderers but he has more than enough class to be effective in Pretoria. I never buy into playing an average quick over a world class spinner JUST because it won't be a pitch overly favoring spin. If Ashwin is as good as we all think he is then he plays. Plus his batting is a no brainer.
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Yeah he bowled pretty decently in the few overs he got at Cape Town.
 
Motorwada

Motorwada

Banned
vcs said:
How is Rahul's technique like against pace, bounce and lateral movement? Anybody watched him on A-tours etc? He's only played Tests in Asia, WI and Australia so far. I don't think that part of his game has been tested much.
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Was good against Cummins and Hazlewood in Dharamsala which had a bit of pace and bounce. Also has a ton in Australia. It doesn't swing as much in SA as it does in England. Dhawan was accounted for by the bounce in both innings.
 
vcs

vcs

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Ashwin played well overall in the last game, he even fielded well apart from the runout. If they have to drop a bowler, it would have to be Bumrah I guess, though that would be harsh as well.
 
Woodster

Woodster

International Captain
I think India should go with the six batsmen, with Pandya at seven, then either two other quicks and Ashwin or three other quicks and leave Ashwin out if spin isn't going to play a major part. They need more batting or there's a chance they could get blown away again.
 
srbhkshk

srbhkshk

International Captain
IMO they can't drop Ashwin, because he played well in the first test and there is always the risk of one of the fast bowlers breaking down.

They can't go with 2 seamers + Hardik either as he is not a good enough first change bowler as of now, I'd say only substitution is possible here, the team structure can't be changed.
 
Moss

Moss

International Captain
srbhkshk said:
IMO they can't drop Ashwin, because he played well in the first test and there is always the risk of one of the fast bowlers breaking down.

They can't go with 2 seamers + Hardik either as he is not a good enough first change bowler as of now, I'd say only substitution is possible here, the team structure can't be changed.
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I pretty much agree with this. Encouraging as Pandya's performances were, I'd just let him be without the extra responsibility. Rahul for Dhawan, Rahane for Rohit, and Ishant for Bumrah (this last one is harsh but Bumrah will definitely remain in the consideration set for the forseeable future so nothing wrong with it).

Unfortunately Shastri seems sold on both Dhawan and Rohit. In the below article, he says Dhawan is a "must":
Shikhar Dhawan, Murali Vijay to open for India in South Africa, says Ravi Shastri | cricket | Hindustan Times

So it could be they decide they shouldn't panic, and just leave it to the same XI to get India out the mess? Will be interesting to see.
 
Woodster

Woodster

International Captain
srbhkshk said:
IMO they can't drop Ashwin, because he played well in the first test and there is always the risk of one of the fast bowlers breaking down.

They can't go with 2 seamers + Hardik either as he is not a good enough first change bowler as of now, I'd say only substitution is possible here, the team structure can't be changed.
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Moss said:
I pretty much agree with this. Encouraging as Pandya's performances were, I'd just let him be without the extra responsibility. Rahul for Dhawan, Rahane for Rohit, and Ishant for Bumrah (this last one is harsh but Bumrah will definitely remain in the consideration set for the forseeable future so nothing wrong with it).

Unfortunately Shastri seems sold on both Dhawan and Rohit. In the below article, he says Dhawan is a "must":
Shikhar Dhawan, Murali Vijay to open for India in South Africa, says Ravi Shastri | cricket | Hindustan Times

So it could be they decide they shouldn't panic, and just leave it to the same XI to get India out the mess? Will be interesting to see.
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Yes fully appreciate what you're saying and you're probably right regarding Pandya not quite being there as a first change seamer, but I just think the most pressing issue for India is the batting, they need to find a way to shoehorn another one in there.
 
A

Arachnodouche

International Captain
Already a lost cause if we're thinking of relying on the extra batsman to save our skins. Perverse as it sounds, our best chance to snag a win here lies in similarly seaming wickets, and then hoping that one or two of our established bats pull their weight. Doesn't preclude bringing in Rahul and Rahane obviously. I'd also keep Ashwin in for his batting and stock-bowler role.
 
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Woodster

Woodster

International Captain
Arachnodouche said:
Already a lost cause if we're thinking of relying on the extra batsman to save our skins. Perverse as it sounds, our best chance to snag a win here lies in similarly seaming wickets, and then hoping that one or two of our established bats pull their weight. Doesn't preclude bringing in Rahul and Rahane obviously. I'd also keep Ashwin in for his batting and stock-bowler role.
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Do you not think India look in need of additional batting strength? Or do you think they should just pack the bowling and hope they out bowl South Africa?
 
O

oblongballs

U19 Debutant
It's simple really, bring in Rahane for Sharma. I really don't think any of the pace guys should be dropped, certainly not for Ishant.
 
Turbinator

Turbinator

Cricketer Of The Year
Should bring back Gambhir. He’s a fighter. Can see him holding out in these conditions, providing that much needed spark.
 
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