India in South Africa

[sohum]

But one thing you need to make sure, if India continue to pitch it up int he South African second innings, they can expect a similar challenge in the second innings. May be they might score better, but still its going to be as challenging as it was, and even more when you are faced with a 350+ target (which looks likely with Laxman and Dhoni stayin in

There's no doubt it's going to be hard, but South Africa aren't one of the top teams in the world for nothing. No doubt that we have a huge advantage at this point, but we don't want to end this match with our record of not having won a test in South Africa intact.

 

[jeromedascorp]

Sreesanth is in the House!!! Finally a bowler from Kerala has done it!! By the way, im from Kerala as well. Just so excited!!

I did not expect South Africa to put up such a low score. I did however sense that something like this might backfire. I mean the only thing we had going consistently for us was our pace attack. Sreesanth, Zaheer, and VRV Singh performed realy well in the Tour match.

We will just have to see how much india post as a 2nd innings total. It better be a lot because there is a lot of time left in the match.

 

[manee]

Hopefully Dhoni will go insane and hit loads of sixes

 

[cricket_lover]

311 run lead, we'll be looking for 400 and above. If Laxman and Dhoni can stay for one hour, we'll be all set. We dont' have to rush now, 3 full days of cricket left and the weather playing good, India have their chances.

The key is to score atleast 100-125 runs, and then put them in.

 

[cellinis]

The only pity was Tendulkar getting out... he was really playing beautifully.

 

[BigCrickNan]

Really good day for India totally dominated.. couldn't belive it when South Africa got out for 84, top stuff from the seamers. I think India should get a lead of 500 becuase leaving SA 400 in 8 sessions isn't too clever .

ps do we have a frenchman in the house?

 

[prarara]

I dunno about that. I think leaving SA 400 in 8 sessions with the pitch cracking exposes them to spin. And I remember them having a wee bit of a weakness to leg spin, right?

 

[cricket_lover]

Any target above 400 is very tricky, and India will definitely look to press home the advantage by scoring atleast 125 more. SA will try to decrease that. Their plan will be to attack from the word go, get wickets, if that fails, spread the field and make the batsmen play the wrong shots.

 

[Cricketman]

What i would like to see is Dhoni and Laxman just cautiously playing first 15 overs, see off the new ball. Then maybe go for some shots.

 

[aussie1st]

What a change that was, I thought SA would have cruised past that total but India's bowlers finally got it right on this tour. Great bowling by Sree and good support by the other 3 bowlers.

 

[manee]

Ntini was unlucky to recieve a fantastic flipper by Kumble. Not many top batsman could have kept that out.

 

[Gunner786]

any chance of rain in this match?

 

[BigCrickNan]

I dunno about that. I think leaving SA 400 in 8 sessions with the pitch cracking exposes them to spin. And I remember them having a wee bit of a weakness to leg spin, right?

The thing is its only day three (it feels like day four) tommorow meaning South Africa could chase anything in 3 days as the pitch doesn't seem to have gone to spin just yet.

 

[cricket_lover]

the highest chased was 294, with 8 wickets lost...by the Aussies last year. The second highest is 217, so you can say India are favourites.

The pitch, according to experts, will have larger cracks, aiding spinners. So If India can get above 400, it'll be a mighthy challenge for the SAfricans.

 

[SaiSrini]

311 run lead, we'll be looking for 400 and above. If Laxman and Dhoni can stay for one hour, we'll be all set. We dont' have to rush now, 3 full days of cricket left and the weather playing good, India have their chances.

The key is to score atleast 100-125 runs, and then put them in.

I dont think we need to even think of a declaration. The wicket still is offering help to the bowlers. Thats why we saw the Indian top order going for their runs yesterday on Day 2. Even Ganguly who batted cautiously in the first innings went for his shots in the second and the scoring rate was much faster. And in the process, wickets are also falling. So India need to go on and not think of declaration.

I guess this match will 99% have a result. Cant see a draw from here!

Really good day for India totally dominated.. couldn't belive it when South Africa got out for 84, top stuff from the seamers. I think India should get a lead of 500 becuase leaving SA 400 in 8 sessions isn't too clever .

ps do we have a frenchman in the house?

500 is too high. I dont think India will last that distance. India could last 400 or just about there, not sure of a 500.

The thing with 400 is that, this wicket is not a good one for people who bat it out in the middle. Even though you are well set, the bowlers will always be excited every ball. Even a settled batsman can never feel sure in the middle. And with the cracks slowly widening, Kumble will come into play. And SA are not good players of spin!

the highest chased was 294, with 8 wickets lost...by the Aussies last year. The second highest is 217, so you can say India are favourites.

The pitch, according to experts, will have larger cracks, aiding spinners. So If India can get above 400, it'll be a mighthy challenge for the SAfricans.

And its predicted to have more uneven bounce too. Also the movement that the fast bowlers have been getting, is reported to be off the pitch. Anyways, cant under-rate this South African side who are excellent at home.