India vs South Africa Second Test: India and South Africa are set to play the second test at Cape Town, starting today. The series lies safely with South Africa after they defeated the heavyweights India in a dominating show at the first test by an innings and 32 runs at Centurion. India, who finds itself lagging on the WTC points table in the first half of the edition, would like to improve its record, while South Africa plays their second game and looks to cement their spot before heading to New Zealand for a two-test series.
The Indian team have their concerns with the lack of intent in the field as predominantly visible in the first test. Despite Bumrah bowling with discipline, he didn’t get much support from the other fast bowlers. Similarly, the absence of Cheteshwar Pujara and Rahane exposes an inexperienced test batting lineup facing the pace bowling unit led by Kagiso Rabada and his associates.
While Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer are yet to prove themselves, the form of Virat Kohli and KL Rahul is the silver lining of the Indian team. Captain Rohit Sharma has a lot to do, but firstly, has to take responsibility with the bat himself in the last test before heading into a long red-ball season at home against England.
On the other hand, South Africa enjoys the advantage of playing at home turf. Dean Elgar, who is playing his last game for Proteas, will captain his side in the absence of Temba Bavuma. Their young bowling unit has proved its mettle in the first game, so much so that South Africa wasn’t required to play a spinner in the first test.
For the second test, South Africa won the toss and chose to bat first. It would be India’s call if they wish to avoid a clean sweep by investing themselves in their best form. An overseas win in the SENA countries provides confidence to any visiting team, and India has the potential to pull it off, provided they show their intent.
India vs South Africa Playing XI
India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Ravindra Jadeja (replacing R Ashwin), Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Mukesh Kumar (in for Shardul Thakur)
South Africa: Aiden Markram, Dean Elgar (captain), Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs (debut, replacing Bavuma), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj (in for Keegan Petersen), Kagiso Rabada, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi (in for G Coetzee)