Last Updated on 5 months ago by Charbel Coorey
It is disappointing that the upcoming India-South Africa series comprises of just two Tests. It has the makings of an excellent contest, with World Test Champions South Africa quietly confident of their first Test series win India since 2000.
India start as favourites especially as there are question marks over South Africa’s top seven in these conditions. However, the hosts still have to be on their game to beat the Proteas. South Africa are coming off a drawn series in Pakistan where they lost the toss twice. Their second Test fightback was as good as you’ll see, with their key strengths coming to the fore.
With that said, here are three key reasons why South Africa can win in India this time; a sharp contrast to a very one-sided series in 2019.
3 reasons why South Africa can win series in India for the first time since 2000
1. Long batting lineup filled with class bowlers
Lengthening a batting lineup in Test cricket is often seen as a negative move. Taking 20 wickets is usually sacrificed for extra runs down the order. However, this South African team has the luxury of a deep batting lineup filled with bowling quality, giving them a chance of competing in all conditions.
Imagine having Kagiso Rabada at 11. Plus, the spin trio of Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer and Senuran Muthusamy are streetsmart cricketers who won’t go down without a fight.
In their last Test, South Africa fell to 235/8, still 98 behind Pakistan’s 333 on a turning Rawalpindi pitch. Senuran Muthusamy (89*) combined with Keshav Maharaj (30) and Rabada (71) for stands of 71 and 98 respectively to turn the match around.
2. Top class, experienced spin attack
The likes of Paul Adams and Nicky Boje played key roles in South African Test wins on Indian soil. Imran Tahir and Simon Harmer held their own in 2015. However, they averaged 21.35 and 25.40 respectively in a series where Ashwin (11.12) and Jadeja (10.82) completely dominated.
Over the years, the fast bowlers, namely Shaun Pollock, Lance Klusener, Dale Steyn and Allan Donald, did the major damage in victories. Now, South Africa tour India with their greatest spin attack.
Keshav Maharaj has come a long way since his difficult tour of India in 2019 where he took six wickets at 85.66. The left-armer is now the only Proteas spinner to take 200 wickets. Simon Harmer, who recently took his 1,000th First Class wicket, will be his partner in crime.
The duo took a combined 17 wickets in South Africa’s recent win in Rawalpindi. Senuran Muthusamy, who took 11 wickets in the first Test and is a solid third spin option, won player of the series.
India must guard against producing rank turners. South Africa have the quality in their attack to exploit such conditions.
3. India are a little more vulnerable at home compared to previous years
India are still a force to be reckoned with at home. However, as the 3-0 loss against New Zealand showed, India aren’t as invincible as they were in previous years.
Make no mistake, South Africa’s batting lineup will be tested by India’s classy spin attack that consists of the ever-consistent Ravindra Jadeja, wily Kuldeep Yadav, and Washington Sundar whose stocks continue to rise. Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant are the kind to peel off centuries for fun when in the mood.
However, the Proteas have more resources at their disposal to compete compared to 2015 and 2019. Belief, execution and avoiding losing wickets in clumps is key. How their top seven fares will make for interesting viewing, plus whether their lower order can deliver with bat and ball.
A fascinating series awaits us, and I can’t wait.
