Anything less than a win in the second Test starting on Sunday will ensure that not only the South Africans win the series, but more importantly, they will displace India as the ICC World No.1. The only consolation for the hosts is that the venue is one of their favourite hunting grounds, with the famous win against Australia in 2001 after following on, pretty much part of the country's folklore. More importantly, its a venue where the "Turbanator" relishes bowling; Harbhajan has been terribly out of form of late and India badly need their most experienced bowler to deliver. The venue is VVS Laxman's favourite too, having hit three centuries including his career best 281, which was then the highest score for an Indian.
India were badly hurt not only by the loss of four key players to injury in the first Test, but also by their impenetrable bowling attack. Sreesanth, although he went off boil after his five-for against Lankans on comeback, would be a welcome inclusion with Ishant Sharma completely out of sorts. Dale Steyn's impressive bowling brought back memories for similarly impressive performance from Ishant during '08 series against Australia. But there was no signs of that bowler as Sharma went wicketless. Zaheer had no company as both spinners, Harbhajan and Mishra were not consistent enough, that too on a helpful track. It will be interseting to see if Ojha is drafted in place of Mishra. There is also the possibility of Raina coming in for Vijay; the left-hander could negate Paul Harris's over the wicket line. With no Yuvraj in the lineup, there are no left handers after opener Gambhir.
Speculation was rife in the media that the curator had been told by the BCCI to "fix up the pitch". The media were drawing comparisons to a similar situation in '08 against the same opposition, when an under-prepared pitch in Kanpur helped India draw level. But, all those theories have been slapped on their face as a normal pitch has been prepared. There is enough grass in the pitch that will ensure that the pitch won't break up atleast in the first three days.
The badly hurt Indians will be looking to bounce back and hold onto their crown, but will have to play out of their skins for that. There is no margin for error, there is no coming back. Anything less than a win won't do. A win for honour....
India were badly hurt not only by the loss of four key players to injury in the first Test, but also by their impenetrable bowling attack. Sreesanth, although he went off boil after his five-for against Lankans on comeback, would be a welcome inclusion with Ishant Sharma completely out of sorts. Dale Steyn's impressive bowling brought back memories for similarly impressive performance from Ishant during '08 series against Australia. But there was no signs of that bowler as Sharma went wicketless. Zaheer had no company as both spinners, Harbhajan and Mishra were not consistent enough, that too on a helpful track. It will be interseting to see if Ojha is drafted in place of Mishra. There is also the possibility of Raina coming in for Vijay; the left-hander could negate Paul Harris's over the wicket line. With no Yuvraj in the lineup, there are no left handers after opener Gambhir.
Speculation was rife in the media that the curator had been told by the BCCI to "fix up the pitch". The media were drawing comparisons to a similar situation in '08 against the same opposition, when an under-prepared pitch in Kanpur helped India draw level. But, all those theories have been slapped on their face as a normal pitch has been prepared. There is enough grass in the pitch that will ensure that the pitch won't break up atleast in the first three days.
The badly hurt Indians will be looking to bounce back and hold onto their crown, but will have to play out of their skins for that. There is no margin for error, there is no coming back. Anything less than a win won't do. A win for honour....
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