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

[War]

India won't get whitewashed, I can assure that. We have a very strong batting lineup followed by a decent set of pacers and have a better set of spinners. You never know what's gonna happen.

Hey its just my opinion on what i think may happen & i think SA, if they play to potential with all their players fit & utilises IMO its possible. But of course my predication or yours can fall flat on its face.

 

[pcfan123]

Just because the tracks will have life does not mean Ishant Sharma and non-Zak indian seamers will all of a sudden be threatening and exciting. They will still suck balls

 

[BlueString]

I have a feeling Gary Kirsten's insight gives the Indians a huge boost. Enough for them to draw the series 1-1.

 

[pcfan123]

Kirsten's insight is not really going to help them that much against the short ball. He has yet to fix the short ball problems that India have had for a while.

Ultimately it's all going to fall on Sehwag, if he gets a rocket start then India will be able to hang on with the Saffers. None of the Indian batsmen have phenomenal (or even decent) records in SA.

 

[BlueString]

The big thing is that India's best batsmen have been in SA for quite some time now, trying to fix just that. Whether they succeed is yet to be seen, though they have a better chance now that they're wethered for the conditions.

 

[AkshayS]

Isn't the short ball problem too much hyped? It's not World T20, it's test cricket and you don't have to go after the short ball. Atleast India didn't show that in test cricket.

Also India are surely considered underdogs here, but am sure we won't get beaten terribly.
Just 3 days left and all the questions will be answered with bat and ball from both sides.

 

[pcfan123]

A bigger problem for India will also be taking wickets I think. Batsmen like ABDV, Graeme Smith etc will not be too troubled by any of the Indian seamers bar Zak, and he will probably injure himself in the 1st Test.

 

[AkshayS]

A bigger problem for India will also be taking wickets I think. Batsmen like ABDV, Graeme Smith etc will not be too troubled by any of the Indian seamers bar Zak, and he will probably injure himself in the 1st Test.

Well said, no expectations from Sree-Ishi because India can't trust them.
Umesh Yadav to come in, extra pace and he just hit Tendulkar on the helmet with a rising delivery. Promising start.

 

[pcfan123]

I've been dying to see Yadav play on a track that helps him but from what I have heard he has a slim chance of playing.

This should also be a defining moment for Sharma. His career is back on the upswing somewhat and he should do well in SA. If he fails then kick him to the curb, cause there are few better places for a fast bowler than South Africa.

 

[AkshayS]

I've been dying to see Yadav play on a track that helps him but from what I have heard he has a slim chance of playing.

He has no chance to play in first test. Second test can be his chance it either Sree-Ishant fails terribly or get injured.

AkshayS added 2 Minutes and 2 Seconds later...

This should also be a defining moment for Sharma. His career is back on the upswing somewhat and he should do well in SA. If he fails then kick him to the curb, cause there are few better places for a fast bowler than South Africa.

Agreed, just that he had two brilliant tests recently vs Aus and vs NZ. If he can perform in SA, he'll be securing his place in the team for 1 more year no matter how he performs.

 

[icyman]

Sehwag is the key. Even in the recent NZL series, it was Sehwag who made a difference. If he gets going, it will be tough on the Proteas. As for the others ,the likes of Tendulkar and Dravid-they have been known to slow down play which tends to lead us into a non-win situation most of the times.

 

[sami ullah khan]

Whats the highest speed has this Yadav clocked on speed gun?

 

[pcfan123]

Agreed, just that he had two brilliant tests recently vs Aus and vs NZ. If he can perform in SA, he'll be securing his place in the team for 1 more year no matter how he performs.

Yea that is what I was trying to say. His form has returned, but if he does fail in SA then it's quite obvious that he is and always will be a mediocre player and that series in Australia was his one hit wonder.

Mark added 0 Minutes and 37 Seconds later...

Whats the highest speed has this Yadav clocked on speed gun?

I've seen him hitting 90s quite consistently but he usually bowls 88ish

 

[AkshayS]

Whats the highest speed has this Yadav clocked on speed gun?

He hit 150 in IPL and was constantly bowling at 147-48.

AkshayS added 2 Minutes and 7 Seconds later...

Sehwag is the key. Even in the recent NZL series, it was Sehwag who made a difference. If he gets going, it will be tough on the Proteas. As for the others ,the likes of Tendulkar and Dravid-they have been known to slow down play which tends to lead us into a non-win situation most of the times.

I disagree, middle order would be the key for us. We want more stability in SA, so Gambhir and middle order gonna do that. Also Sehwag's role will be very crucial in making some quick runs but it's better not to expect much from him in SA. He can't move his feet.

 

[sami ullah khan]

IMO a bowler who can get it around and over 150 KPS qualifies to be called a genuine quick bowlers. There are many bowlers in world cricket who can get it to around 90 MPH (anderson, Broad, Harris) but are not considered to be genuine speedsters. 90 MPH is quite good for an INDIAN though. I remember watching Ishant bowl at 150 KPH against Australia but his pace has decreased since. I hope India don't spoil this new rookie with all that line and length crap.