Bigger challenges awaits the Indian team after loosing the first test of South Africa tour. First match of the series is well calculated as a momentum changer for either of the team. The second test starts 13th January in the beautiful stadium of Centurion in Johannesburg. The wounded Indian team needs to eke out a win in Centurion test if they stand any chance to win the three match test series on the Proteas land.
Centurion has always been a winning fortress for the African team. They have emerged victorious in 17 tests out of the 22 played at the venue. 3 matches ended in a draw, while losing on only 2 occasions. Read: BCCI bans star Indian allrounder who becomes the second cricketer to fail dope test.
India’s biggest challenge will be to face the Proteas pace battery in the Centurion test, which may offer some help. Vernon Philander thrashed Indian batting by taking six wickets in the second innings of first test. He is a lethal force to reckon alongside Kagiso Rabada and Morne Morkel. Philander has surpassed James Anderson following his great performance in first test to climb at number 1 spot in test bowling rankings. Rabada’s record at Centurion may be a concern for Indian team, the youngster has picked 18 wickets in two test matches he played at the venue.
South African opener Aiden Markram said, Centurion test wicket may not offer much speed and bounce, but still will be enough to match the speed and bounce offered in Newlands.
Team selection a big concern for India ahead of Centurion Test
Selecting the right team is proving to be a big headache for Indian think tank. Batting has let down India in the first test. Especially the openers, didn’t impress at all. There are expectations of young KL Rahul making the place in playing 11. He may replace Shikhar Dhawan, who was uncomfortable facing the short balls. Rahul has played 10 tests at foreign soil, scoring 3 test hundreds. The very first came against Australia at SCG, where he played an impressive innings of 110 runs. Other two coming against Sri Lanka at Colombo and West Indies at Kingston Oval. KL is yet to play a test match in South Africa. Ajinkya Rahane may replace the struggling Rohit Sharma in middle order. Rahane has played 24 tests on foreign soil, and scored 6 hundreds. He impressed when India last toured South Africa.
