Indian tour of South Africa, December-January 2010/11

[Cricketman]

My dad is in SA now on a business trip and will be going to Day 1 of the 1st test, as it is a national holiday or something and doesn't have to work. SO. JEALOUS.

 

[AkshayS]

My dad is in SA now on a business trip and will be going to Day 1 of the 1st test, as it is a national holiday or something and doesn't have to work. SO. JEALOUS.

haha lol.

Also Durban is a quite tricky wicket for batsmen from what I've seen, it is very fast and bouncy and Steyn is most likely gonna rip us apart there. Or Zaheer/Ishant for SA..............

 

[stefan]

My dad is in SA now on a business trip and will be going to Day 1 of the 1st test, as it is a national holiday or something and doesn't have to work. SO. JEALOUS.

16 December is reconcilliation day.

 

[TruSachFan]

First Smith, and now Steyn asks for live pitches.

Steyn hopes for lively pitches against India

India in South Africa 2010-11: Dale Steyn hopes for lively pitches | Cricket News | South Africa v India | ESPN Cricinfo

 

[StinkyBoHoon]

I'm hoping for an illnatured mother of a series here.

these two feel like they sort of ignore each other, both more concerned with hammering england and australia than each other. But both of them have infastructures and passion that mean they'll be top sides for aeons, so a bit of rivalry developing would be good for the game in general.

 

[sami ullah khan]

I am itching to see Steyn VS sehwag contest on green top surfaces. This series will be very thrilling IMO.

 

[icyman]

these two feel like they sort of ignore each other, both more concerned with hammering england and australia than each other. But both of them have infastructures and passion that mean they'll be top sides for aeons, so a bit of rivalry developing would be good for the game in general.

You are right. There has never been a great rivalry between India and South Africa. Their tests have generally been controversy free unless you count the 2001 series wherein the entire Mike Denness episode catapulted them both.

Things might just be different this time round, with Kirsten in charge- a man whom RSA have been eyeing and with a great shot at the No.1 Test position.

 

[SaiSrini]

The Centurion curator says its not going to be a green top for the first test and he is scared of his head if India win the toss and bowl first. Hope to see a good sporting wicket with result in it.

 

[icyman]

India will lose the first Test. The home pitches have been way too flat and they haven't played outside the sub-continent/ bouncy pitches for a very long time. Despite Kirsten's best efforts, I feel it would still be in South Africa's favour.

 

[War]

I am itching to see Steyn VS sehwag contest on green top surfaces. This series will be very thrilling IMO.

Indeed. That will be one of the more exciting player vs player battles since the McGrath vs Lara, Tendulkar vs Warne days.

But i expect Steyn to win though.

 

[SaiSrini]

India will lose the first Test. The home pitches have been way too flat and they haven't played outside the sub-continent/ bouncy pitches for a very long time. Despite Kirsten's best efforts, I feel it would still be in South Africa's favour.

I think we might keep it down to a draw (very remote chance of winning). We have the ability to do that, and once we do that, it will become more exciting for the remaining tests because by then, we should have got used to the conditions and pitches enough. If we lose, it will be huge pressure to get back up and we will eventually lose the series.

 

[used2bcool]

Yep, the first test is crucial. Historically, we are slow starters, and we'll face a tough pitch first in Centurion. Durban might be tougher but hopefully by then we will have acclimatised to the conditions. As someone has already mentioned, Cape Town is usually the flattest pitch in South Africa.

But on the other hand, if we go in thinking draw, we'll get nowhere. If we go by what's being said, the SuperSport Park track is a result-oriented one, so if we have a defensive mindset going in, we shall most likely lose. If we go in with an aggressive mindset and win it, nothing like it. But even if we draw, we can then say we have come away from the first test without being damaged.

 

[icyman]

Centurion-I would be glad if India can keep it to a draw out there. Being the First Test-no practice games, I am a bit skeptical and pessimistic at this point of time.
Should we lose here, the comeback will be tough seeing as we face a bouncy one in Durban. I have a feeling that the series will be decided in Durban with the last one being a draw.

 

[sami ullah khan]

If South Africa make helpful tracks, I don't see any possibility of draws. Both teams are aggressive and conditions will also increase the probability of result oriented games.

 

[AkshayS]

Indeed. That will be one of the more exciting player vs player battles since the McGrath vs Lara, Tendulkar vs Warne days.

But i expect Steyn to win though.

I espect Steyn to come out of top too but If Sehwag can crack the Steyn code then 30% work done for India.