India have a mountain to climb

Newlands is one of the game's storied venues, having hosted its first Test back in 1888-89. South Africa's last one-day outing here produced one of their most famous victories, with Makhaya Ntini taking 6 for 22 in a 196-run thrashing of Australia. Ricky Ponting's men didn't have to wait long for retribution though, with Stuart Clark taking 9 for 89 on debut as South Africa were routed inside three days on a pitch that stayed damp for two days.

India were to have their first practice session at Newlands on Friday morning, but persistent drizzle and grey skies forced them to relocate to the indoor nets at the University of Cape Town. The historic campus, where some of South Africa's best writers like Andre Brink have taught and where Duncan Fletcher coached the cricket team, played a prominent role in the struggle against the injustices of apartheid, but politics and liberal values would be the last thing on these Indian minds after the hammering in Durban.

They had to make do with net sessions on a basketball court, upon which green-coloured mats had been thrown. There were the usual catching and fielding drills too, though Munaf Patel missed out with a sore left ankle. He was present but didn't bowl, though the problem is unlikely to affect his participation in Sunday's game, or even Saturday's practice session. Virender Sehwag, who missed the Durban match, tapped the ball around by himself later, wearing no gloves, and appeared in no visible discomfort. If he's cleared to play on Sunday, it'll be a massive boost for an embattled side.

South Africa practised at Newlands in the afternoon, on a slightly damp outfield and under leaden skies. The wind whistled through the empty stands, and the top of Table Mountain, which provides such a breathtaking backdrop to the venue, was wreathed in mist. For India, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, with slower pitches when compared to the high veld, offer the best chance of success. But to achieve it will be as difficult as walking up Table Mountain.