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

[Dissector]

I think Ashwin is going to be key. Not just with the ball on a helpful wicket but with the bat, possibly in both innings given the likelihood of a significant chase with a shaky batting lineup. This is his opportunity to make a mark in a big overseas test.

 

[GRAB]

Meet the new Morne Morkel, same as the old Morne Morkel. Incredible spells where he looks like an ATG, then back to a little too short, a little too wide... Frustrating!

 

[randycricfreak]

We should never have played that sl series. **** bcci.

India wouldn't be the 1st ranked place if not for their scheduling.

They should honsetly stop thinking about the no1 test status, and organize home and away series as a mixture.

 

[Rasimione]

Morkel has been poor, rest of the attack very good.

When Morne looks back at his Career he'll surely look with disappointment.

 

[Arachnodouche]

Ngidi & Rabada, how sweetly it rolls off the tongue. Early days obviously, but going on physical makeup and sheer talent, these two have promise to become one of the all time greats.

 

[S.Kennedy]

Slightly off-topic but I didn't realise how poor a season Pujara had for Notts last year, 27.75 from 12 innings. I would have normally said he would be invaluable for India in England.

 

[Burner]

Tough ask for India from here. I think they will concede a lead close to what they conceded the first match and any chance they have thereon will depend a lot on how Ashwin does. Any team that selects Rohit over Rahane after what they saw in the first match deserves to lose tbf.

 

[veganbob]

Ngidi looks very good too. south africas fast bowling talent and depth seems to be never ending.

 

[Niall]

Tough ask for India from here. I think they will concede a lead close to what they conceded the first match and any chance they have thereon will depend a lot on how Ashwin does. Any team that selects Rohit over Rahane after what they saw in the first match deserves to lose tbf.

Yeah agreed, Kohli will have to be in a beast mode tomorrow as there is only a high risk Pandya and Ashin for company. I know the focus is on there bowling, but Ishant, Bumrah and Shami in 2018 is way to many rabbits.

This the worst India lower order for a while isn't it?

 

[quincywagstaff]

When Morne looks back at his Career he'll surely look with disappointment.

Such an odd career. Has very similar Test stats to Mitchell Johnson but whereas Mitch was often a matchwinner for Oz (of course mixed in with some shockers), Morkel hardly ever has been the decisive factor in a Test. Has he ever won a MOM award?

 

[Burner]

Yeah agreed, Kohli will have to be in a beast mode tomorrow as there is only a high risk Pandya and Ashin for company. I know the focus is on there bowling, but Ishant, Bumrah and Shami in 2018 is way to many rabbits.

This the worst India lower order for a while isn't it?

I think if you swap Ishant and Bumrah for Umesh and Bhuv, the batting gets a little more solid. Not to mention the vastly improved bowling. Bumrah should never have been selected especially.

 

[Woodster]

Be an interesting day tomorrow, crucial for India they bat well and close this gap to ensure they stay in this series.

Kohli needs to get set again and set his stall out to bat long into the day. Pandya, who knows how he'll look to go, I'm guessing he's planning on being pretty attacking!

 

[Motorwada]

Yeah agreed, Kohli will have to be in a beast mode tomorrow as there is only a high risk Pandya and Ashin for company. I know the focus is on there bowling, but Ishant, Bumrah and Shami in 2018 is way to many rabbits.

This the worst India lower order for a while isn't it?

Yeah. When we play at home there's Jadeja also so that strengthens the batting.

 

[weldone]

I think India's chances will depend more on Kohli than Ashwin. I don't see India's chances if we don't score 400+, and for that Kohli needs to play his career-best knock.

 

[Chrish]

Considering they only have 5 wickets on hand (3 being complete tailender), India would feel lucky getting anywhere near SA total; much less crossing 400.

 

[Burgey]

India still well in this imo, but they will want a lead of 80 at least to put real pressure on SA.

 

[CricAddict]

India still well in this imo, but they will want a lead of 80 at least to put real pressure on SA.

The match is going the way it went in first test. India will be set a target of 220 or so. Maharaj will then wreak havoc and end up with five.

 

[Motorwada]

The match is going the way it went in first test. India will be set a target of 220 or so. Maharaj will then wreak havoc and end up with five.

Yeah. India concedes a 50-60 run lead. India bowl well in 3rd innings with Ashwin 5-fer. Target of 220-250. Lose by 50.

We could have won with better selections.

 

[Arachnodouche]

Yeah. India concedes a 50-60 run lead. India bowl well in 3rd innings with Ashwin 5-fer. Target of 220-250. Lose by 50.

We could have won with better selections.

We have had exactly two semi substantial batting performances so far in this series. Let's not get carried away here.

 

[cnerd123]

I bet Che only took that risky single first ball because of all the nonsense #intent talk in the dressing room tbh