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

[sohum]

I am itching to see Steyn VS sehwag contest on green top surfaces.

Doesn't seem like that'll be much of a contest.

sohum added 9 Minutes and 7 Seconds later...

Added a poll.

 

[BlueString]

FINALLY! India getting up off their asses and going overseas! Man, I've been wanting to see some South African-like conditions in ages. This should be great.

On one side, you've got: AB Devillers - guy's in unstoppable form. Hashim Amla, I have a feeling he's gonna frustrate the Indian bowlers to no end. And then there's Steyn. I don't think he even needs an explanation, he's going to be unstoppable.

India have a revitalized line up, with Dhoni at the head. Dravid's getting back into form, Tendulkar's well . . . Tendulkar, Dhoni's the second best captain India's ever had, Raina's in great form but might struggle in these conditions, Zaheer's going to be outstanding, just short of Steyn in wicket count I think, and then there's the suspense over Harbhajan's form . . . DAMN! This is gonna be a good one.

I say 1-1 draw.

 

[relentless_rock]

I am looking forward to see some batting performances from Dhoni in this series. It would determine for me whether he is truly a great wicketkeeper batsman to have in all formats or overhyped a bit.

 

[sohum]

South Africa is going to win 2-1, winning the first and last Test matches.

 

[ZoraxDoom]

South Africa are favourites here. India can beat them, but they'll need to play really, really well, and it's highly unlike India to have the whole team click at once.

 

[icyman]

South Africa is going to win 2-1, winning the first and last Test matches.

Interesting comment from you sohum.
The second Test being in Durban might not be our best chance. My bet is at a 1-1 with the First test going to us, and the third would be a draw.

 

[pcfan123]

I'm sort of agreeing with SOhum. I believe SA is actually the best Test team in the world with India a close second. I would like to see with a 2-0 or any other comprehensive win by SA.

 

[TruSachFan]

South Africa is going to win 2-1, winning the first and last Test matches.

Centurion - India

Durban - SA

Cape Town - India

 

[icyman]

A comeback after a loss in Durban would be tough on India.

 

[TruSachFan]

A comeback after a loss in Durban would be tough on India.

That's why I'm hoping we can draw this time. I seriously think we can. Sehwag has seriously worked on his batting against the short ball since that tour.

And you know what Sachin does against the short ball these days.

YouTube - Sachin Tendulkar 71 3rd Test Australia vs India Day 1 Perth

 

[Adarsh]

Lol just imagine if Zak gets injured. Whatever else happens, without Zaheer Khan, India has no chance. He's the single most important player in this Test side.

 

[pcfan123]

lol I can't wait to see Steyn give Sehwag a concussion and knock him out for the tour. I want to see blood on the pitch

 

[icyman]

Lol just imagine if Zak gets injured. Whatever else happens, without Zaheer Khan, India has no chance. He's the single most important player in this Test side.

Zak has been injured previously on tours of Australia. To the best of my knowledge,he did not play during the 2003-04 series as well as the 2007-08 one. India's young brigade stepped up that time-In 03-04, it was Balaji and Irfan. In 07-08, it Ishant.

So,even if he gets injured I am not worried. Well, as long as they don't call back people like VRV in the team, its fine by me.

 

[Adarsh]

First tour to Australia Zaheer Khan wasn't all that good a bowler. Second tour, he played well in Melbourne, and who knows what would've happened if he was still there in the later tests. More than Sehwag, more than Sachin, this guy is the one India want. More than anything, he gives India one option, a spearhead the team can rely on to get wickets even when things aren't going their way.

 

[icyman]

During the first tour to Australia, Zak was the Indian spearhead and a lot depended upon him. Srinath had just retired from cricket and we were short of a lead bowler.

Second tour, had he played the remainder, it is a big 'If'.

I would rely more on Sreesanth to get you wickets on South African pitches. Cause ,Sree can extract the extra bounce from the wicket. Zak - I really havent seen him do so.