Published: Nov 24, 2015, 10:11 AM (IST)
Edited: Nov 25, 2015, 12:14 AM (IST)
India take on South Africa in the third Test in the Gandhi-Mandela Series 2015 at Jamtha, Nagpur. India lead the series 1-0 after securing a comprehensive win in the first Test at Mohali. India could not extend their lead in Bengaluru as rain washed out four full days of play and as a result, both teams had to settle for a washed out game. But there were a few positives for both sides despite the result. AB de Villiers, in his 100th Test, led from the front and scored 85 in South Africa’s total of 214 in the first innings. Dean Elgar continued to fight it out despite wickets tumbling around him again. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: India vs South Africa 2015, 3rd Test at Nagpur
For the hosts, it was the forms of their spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, who were most impressive. They picked up 4 wickets apiece, which helped them bundle South Africa out for a cheap score. Shikhar Dhawan remained unbeaten on 45, which is a good sign for him and India as he not been in particularly good form of late. That innings would have given him a lot of confidence and he will look to build on it at Nagpur. READ: Shikhar Dhawan: Second lifeline in Tests
As far as the teams are concerned, India have not made any changes for the remaining two Tests. However, there could be a change in the playing XI. Stuart Binny was included in the Bengaluru Test. But he could go back to the bench to make way for either of Amit Mishra or Gurkeerat Singh, who will add extra depth in India’s batting and bowling departments. The form of Ajinkya Rahane has been a worry for India. With Rohit Sharma scoring heavily in the domestic circuit, he could replace Rahane in the team. But the selectors might decide to give Rahane another go. READ: India vs South Africa 2015, 3rd Test at Nagpur: What should India’s bowling attack look like?
There are no fresh injury scares for South Africa, but fast bowler Marchant de Lange has been called as a cover for Dale Steyn. Steyn, who missed his first Test for South Africa since 2009 in Bengaluru has never missed two continuous Tests in his career. However, he might be forced to sit out, if he has not been able to recover from his groin injury, as a precaution. Regardless, the Proteas have three fit seamers in the form of Morne Morkel, Kagiso Rabada and Kyle Abbott at their disposal. If Steyn misses out, it is unlikely the de Lange will find a place in the playing XI. But if Steyn is back, either Rabada or Abbott will drop down to the bench. South Africa welcomed back JP Duminy in the Bengaluru Test after he missed the opening Test at Mohali and his all-round abilities will be crucial in this match as well. READ: Amit Mishra should be included in the third Test against South Africa at Nagpur
Unlike Bengaluru, there is no fear of rains in Nagpur for the next five days and we should get an entire game in. This will be a crucial match for both sides as a win for India will clinch the series, but a win for the hosts will level the series with the decider played in Delhi. South Africa will look to draw inspiration from their T20 International (T20I) and One-Day International (ODI) series wins to help them level the series.
Squads:
India: Virat Kohli (c), Murali Vijay, Shikhar Dhawan, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), KL Rahul, Stuart Binny, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Amit Mishra, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umesh Yadav, Varun Aaron, Ishant Sharma.
South Africa: Hashim Amla (c), AB de Villiers, Temba Bavuma, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Dean Elgar, Simon Harmer, Imran Tahir, Morne Morkel, Kyle Abbott, Dane Piedt, Kagiso Rabada, Dale Steyn, Stiaan van Zyl, Dane Vilas (wk), Marchant de Lange.
Time: 09:30 local | 04:00 GMT
(Pramod Ananth is a reporter at CricketCountry. He has represented Karnataka table tennis under-15, and is a hardcore supporter of Liverpool FC. His Twitter handle is @pramz)
