The Indians have had just about enough time to lick their wounds
inflicted by the Australians `Down Under'. The only option left for
the Indians is to look ahead if they are to achieve anything in the
series against South Africa. Believe me, they have to achieve quite a
bit in order to redeem themselves. The pressure is on Tendulkar and
his boys since they are playing at home and it is a must win situation
for them.
It is apparent that the dismal show in Australia still rankles badly,
what with Tendulkar relinquishing the captaincy. He has been man
enough to accept the responsibility for the poor show and only the
thoroughly cynical will venture to connect his decision to the recall
of Azharuddin. Tendulkar has at least given enough time for his
successor and the selectors to prepare themselves.
The Test matches against the South Africans will prove to be tougher
this time around. Cronje and his men know exactly what to expect in
India and that will be a major difference to their mental make-up. The
one big advantage they have is the presence of genuine all rounders in
the side. At the same time, their batting has been unpredictable in
Test cricket.
A comparison of both the sides would project a few basic differences -
fielding, quality of fast bowlers and the overall toughness. Agreed
that the slow pitches in India would really test Donald, Pollock and
Hayward but they still can be a handful. The one weakness in the South
African side will be the lack of a quality spinner. Paul Adams will be
missed as he has got a good record and he would have been really
useful on Indian pitches.
The fortunes of either side will largely depend on the success of the
batsmen. Considering that the Indians are playing in familiar
conditions, the batsmen have to ensure that the bowlers are given
enough runs to dismiss the opponents. Ramesh will be out of action in
the first Test which is unfortunate as he has proved to be a key
figure at the top of the order. Dravid will be more determined to set
the record straight after a poor run in Australia. To be fair to him,
this has been the only series he has failed so far. Jadeja will be at
the pivotal No 6 and hopefully he will establish himself in Test
cricket.
The Indians will rely on the traditional strength - spin. The trio of
Kumble, Kartik and Chopra would be expected to win the series for
India. It may not be a daunting task as the Springboks are not exactly
the masters when it comes to playing spinners on helpful
pitches. Gibbs, Cronje and Kallis are the better players against spin
while Cullinan is not particularly fond of the slower variety. Mark
Boucher will have a major role to play for the South Africans on
either side of the stumps.
The pitch at the Wankhede stadium generally has a fair bit of carry
and the fast bowlers should have something in it for them on the
opening day. As usual, the first session will dictate the course the
match will take and along with it the series. One certain fact is that
it will be an absorbing series and India has to win, come what
may. The Indians can be hopeful as the South Africans are neither as
versatile as the Australians nor are they playing at their best.