F inally there is some good test match cricket on offer when India locks horns with the South Africans for a two test series. I did not write my usual updates during the England-SA series but that was one hell of a series where England hung on by the skin of their teeth. SA deserved a far better final score line but that has been their problem area; they always choke on some key points.
Coming back to the India-SA series, I am really excited to watch this. Both teams start off with some great handicaps but want to do their best. India has the challenge of a raw middle order with Yuvraj, Dravid and possibly Laxman pulling out due to injuries. I am concerned about Yuvraj’s injuries because he has made a habit of sitting out and the his recovery is very slow. Harbhajan has also had a patchy form and is also under a lot of pressure to deliver. So the think tank of M/s Srikanth and co. decided to catapult an opener into No. 3 slot and blood Badrinath finally into test cricket. I think for Badri this opportunity is too late. He did not get an opportunity when he was at his peak and now the pressure will get to him. Murali Vijay may do well at No. 3. Tendulkar and Sehwag therefore become very critical to the success of this team.
SA on the other hand, have had a cracking 6-8 months. Their bowlers are unidirectional but in form and their batsmen have all scored well. But SA cricket administration resembles a ship wreck these days with the stand-in coach and sacked selection committee. Smith will be confused because he would not know the direction the scheme of things will take back home. He has a solid batting unit in Kallis, deVilliers, Duminy and Amla and Steyn, Morkel and Harris with the ball. It is going to be battle of wits and both teams are going to put up a strong challenge. I am excited with the prospect of some high quality test cricket. Keep reading my updates here.
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