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

[Burner]

I see the rain has stopped but they are going to take a lunch break now, aren't they?

 

[StephenZA]

Is it that bad?

Consistent cloud cover and rain, turning heavier in the afternoon (from the satellite photos).... the outfield may need an hour and bad light will come into play. Doubt there will be play today. Bright side, play will start an 30min earlier tomorrow!

 

[Heboric]

Consistent cloud cover and rain, turning heavier in the afternoon (from the satellite photos).... the outfield may need an hour and bad light will come into play. Doubt there will be play today. Bright side, play will start an 30min earlier tomorrow!

Has there ever been a whole day lost at Newlands since post isolation. I know once a mornings play was lost due to rain (appropriately against England ). I cant recall a whole day

 

[stephen]

So sad to see Steyn felled by another injury. Best fast bowler in the world since McGrath retired.

Should be right for the Australian tour though (where he's more needed).

 

[oblongballs]

If there was ever a perfect moment for India, with moisture in the air and the pitch, I assume the temp has dropped a bit, then this is it. Kumar can get the ball to swing and Shami/Bumrah need to be accurate. If they can pick up another 2 or 3 wickets before SA have a lead of 200, they can hope to get through a meek lower order by 250. Then it's down to Kohli pulling his socks up and bringing it in a crunch situation.

 

[Cow]

I think this Indian team need to listen to a few podcasts from Professor Richard Dawkins. It will improve them individually.

 

[OverratedSanity]

Laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaammmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmeee

Get a climate, SA

 

[Daemon]

Good thing SA played 5 bowlers. Gutted to see Steyn miss out.

 

[weldone]

Rain and Steyn-injury makes this test somewhat interesting. If India has about 300 runs to chase with 8 wickets remaining on day 5 then it won't be impossible, although SA will still be strong favorites.

 

[vcs]

It also slightly improves our chances of batting out a draw like in 2011 (if they are somewhat conservative with their declaration and the pitch flattens out). Would have liked some play today to move the game forward, oh well.

 

[CricAddict]

While I hate that Steyn is again injured, welcoming the rain. Good for SA people and Indian cricket team. So win-win.

 

[Niall]

Rain and Steyn-injury makes this test somewhat interesting. If India has about 300 runs to chase with 8 wickets remaining on day 5 then it won't be impossible, although SA will still be strong favorites.

A little, but unless Faf gets all cowardly and bats to long, South Africa will be fine. He strikes me a sensible enough captain so silly to do that.

 

[Heboric]

Has there ever been a whole day lost at Newlands since post isolation. I know once a mornings play was lost due to rain (appropriately against England ). I cant recall a whole day

Laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaammmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmeee

Get a climate, SA

I thought as much :

https://www.sport24.co.za/Cricket/Proteas/rain-newlands-makes-history-in-drought-20180107

 

[Burner]

Rain and Steyn-injury makes this test somewhat interesting. If India has about 300 runs to chase with 8 wickets remaining on day 5 then it won't be impossible, although SA will still be strong favorites.

I don't see India chasing 300 with all their wickets in hand on the fifth day tbf. Rabada will have them for breakfast.

 

[harsh.ag]

If it comes down to surviving 100 overs, I would put money on a draw, Rohit ****ing Sharma not withstanding.

 

[OverratedSanity]

If anything I'd back this team less to bat out 100 overs than chase 300. Apart from Pujara and Vijay, no one can bat time.

 

[Firebreaker]

If India are given the target of over 300 I think they should send Pandya up the order and give him full license to hit out

 

[Burner]

I think it's going to be difficult to get batsman out if they close-up shop on this pitch. Best thing for SA would be to get all out at a lead at which India would have a sniff. Have India playing some shots. If the chase is out of the question, India could close-up shop and draw.

 

[kykweer.proteas]

What a bizarre day.

 

[Anil]

I think it's going to be difficult to get batsman out if they close-up shop on this pitch. Best thing for SA would be to get all out at a lead at which India would have a sniff. Have India playing some shots. If the chase is out of the question, India could close-up shop and draw.

they don't have the batting skills to close up shop and draw on this pitch and against this attack...persistent rain is their only chance to escape with a draw...