A highly anticipated three test series between India and South Africa, due to begin on March 26, could well see the sparks fly in a pitched battle to emerge the second best behind Australia in the test cricketing arena.
India is on a high at the moment, after having won the CB Series against Australia despite losing a controversial test series and would do well to capitalize on home advantage in the upcoming matches to retain its second position behind Australia in the ICC Test rankings.
South Africa, on the other hand, has no dearth of talent and confidence with an added ability to churn out consistent performances which is quite evident in their eight wins out of last ten test matches when India has floundered its chances more often.
However, should India deal effectively with bowling threats like Dale Steyn and implement their strategy well against the likes of Mkhaya Ntini, then who knows if it could be India all the way. Consistency in batting is another major factor to keep in mind for the hosts, for any mistakes in the face of a daunting South African side might not go unpunished.
Another area where South Africa must never be underestimated is their batting depth which could spring a surprise virtually at their will. On all counts, the South African tour of India could be of real entertainment value with nothing less to offer than three 5-day cricketing extravaganzas and the potential to shift balance equations in the game.
|
