Published: Feb 21, 2015, 11:31 AM (IST)
Edited: Feb 21, 2015, 02:13 PM (IST)
Melbourne: Following a week-long break, India and South Africa clash at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 on Sunday. India are coming off a morale-boosting victory over Pakistan in their opening encounter at the Adelaide Oval, while South Africa earned a hard-fought win against Zimbabwe in Hamilton. This is being billed as a big contest as two good one-day units clash at an iconic venue to impose their supremacy early in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015. Scorecard: India vs South Africa
The big talk ahead of the game is about South Africa’s unbeaten record against India in World Cup history. . South Africa coach Russell Domingo maintained that it would not play a big part in this game. But, one would say that the game would mainly be a contest between the Indian batsmen and the South African bowlers. Having said that, South Africa too have a great batting line-up and can dominate any attack on their day. ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: SCHEDULE & MATCH DETAILS
India are not expected to make any chances to their line-up. The batting will remain intact with Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni forming the top six. Ravindra Jadeja should retain his spot as the all-rounder. In practice, he did work on his batting and India would want him to add a better finishing touch. Though Akshar Patel is in the squad, one would expect Jadeja to hold on. READ: Virat Kohli expects exciting tussle
Ravichandran Ashwin had suffered an injury the other day in practice, but has been declared fit by the team management. Bhuvneshwar Kumar too has been declared fit, but India would in all probability go in with the same fast bowling combination with Umesh Yadav, Mohit Sharma and Mohammed Shami. ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: POINTS TABLE
There were minor concerns in the South Africa camp as Dale Steyn had an attack of sinusitis and Vernon Philander battled a hamstring niggle. However, both recovered and bowled at full tilt in the nets and should be fine for the game. There was some chat about South Africa playing an all-pace attack, but AB de Villiers brushed aside those suggestions at the pre-match press conference. He also appreciated Imran Tahir’s role. It was perhaps a hint that he may be included, but South Africa may well be keeping their cards close to their chest.
The batting has a threatening make-up with Quinton de Kock, Hashim Amla, de Villiers and Faf du Plessis forming the core. JP Duminy would be the main finisher with David Miller down the order. South Africa would want to dominate the Indian bowling and put them under pressure.
The wicket at the MCG looked a batting beauty and there should be runs on show. One may not expect a very big score considering the size of the ground. But, it also opens up possibilities of getting the twos and threes. There was a small shower on the eve of the game, but the forecast for Sunday is good and there should be a full-game.
Squads:
India: MS Dhoni (c&wk), Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja, Akshar Patel, Stuart Binny, Mohammed Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umesh Yadav, Mohit Sharma, Ambati Rayudu, Ravichandran Ashwin.
South Africa: AB de Villiers (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Hashim Amla, Rilee Rossouw, Faf du Plessis, JP Duminy, David Miller, Farhaan Behardien, Imran Tahir, Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander, Kyle Abbott, Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell, Aaron Phangiso.
Time: 09:00 IST | 03:30 GMT
ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: Complete Coverage
(Nishad Pai Vaidya is a Correspondent with CricketCountry and anchor for the site’s YouTube Channel. His Twitter handle is @nishad_45)
