(Info4now, January 02, 2022)- Already in dire straits as class players missing in the middle order, South Africa lose Quinton de Kock suddenly. If the retirement of three big players in the batting department left South Africa in a horrible situation, bowlers like Morne Morkel and Philander would also seek better discipline from the current fast bowlers. Quinton de Kock’s retirement adds to this unsettled condition of Team South Africa. As Wanderers to host IND vs SA 2nd Test, Ryan Rickelton will probably make the playing XI.
For India, it’s a great opportunity to seal the series here. At Wanderers India beat South Africa last time, in the final game of the series. So they have everything to cheer in Johannesburg. With 305 to defend in the last innings, India were very confident to pick up all ten. And it’s going to be the only key to tomorrow’s game spirit.
Preview: IND vs SA 2nd Test, India tour of South Africa 2021-22
Aiden Markram should be patient while handling the new ball. He is a fine player of seam bowling and just needs to concentrate on the movement. This South Africa must require a good start. It’s really unstable in the middle. Keegan Petersen looks good at the start, but fails to keep his going in rhythm. I think, he will get better in the IND vs SA 2nd Test. We expect a good partnership between Rassie van der Dussen and Temba Bavuma. Ryan Rickelton might be promoted to the upper middle order.
Mulder could not pick a wicket in the first contest. So it’s a matter of concern for the hosting camp. Still he can make the side. As Marco Jansen improves with the progress of the first contest, he must be in the side. A left arm quick is very important against the champion India. Keshav Maharaj is a routine inclusion.
As a champion Test side India are waiting for the reaffirmation of a champion middle order, the openers are doing their jobs. So K.L.Rahul and Mayank Agarwal need to score runs. They are in form, they are enjoying cricket. But they are also in pressure, as completely taking off the pressure of three experienced middle order batsmen. Rahane looked better in the first innings as he opened the face of the bat and chose to keep the board running.
Rishabh Pant, Shardul Thakur and Ravichandran Ashwin are fantastic for Team India. They always denied any fast crumbling. These three compose a determined lower middle order. Three premier fast bowlers are in form and offer very little room for South Africa batsmen.
To Conclude
Generally, it’s a hard ground with enough swing in the air. It’s really hard to bat against a red ball. But if there is less crack on the turf, ball might come to bat nicely. It’s fine to bat first here at Wanderers, Johannesburg.
My Playing XXII: IND vs SA 2nd Test
India: K.L.Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant, Ravichandran Ashwin/Hanuma Vihari, Shardul Thakur, Md Shami, Md. Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah.
South Africa: Dean Elgar, Aiden Markram, Keegan Petersen, Rassie van der Dussen, Temba Bavuma, Ryan Rickelton, Wianne Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi.