5 reasons why South Africa might struggle against Team India in the upcoming Test series
The countdown to a riveting Test series between the top two ranked Test nations has begun. Though South Africa have had the upper hand over Team India in the past, India will look to settle scores this time around in the rainbow nation.
South Africa have won five of the six Test series played between the two nations in South Africa and one series in 2010 ended with the scoreline at 1-1. Out of 17 Tests played in South Africa, India have won only two, lost eight and seven have ended in a draw. This leads us to the conclusion that South Africa has not been a happy hunting ground for Team India as far as Test cricket is concerned.
The Indians would be aiming to better their record against the South Africans and should look to cash in on the following weaknesses of the hosts to create history by winning their first ever Test series in South Africa.
#5 Unsettled opening combination
As far as their opening batsmen are concerned, the South Africans have had a tough time in finding a partner for Dean Elgar. Stephen Cook was the preferred option until the tour of New Zealand in March 2017. Thereafter, Cook was overlooked and he made way for Heino Kuhn, who made his Test debut in England. However, he averaged just 14.12 in his four Tests and was then not considered for selection for the series against Bangladesh.
Aiden Markram was brought in to replace Kuhn, and he made an impressive debut scoring a century against the hapless Bangladeshi bowling attack. Though Markram has started his international career on a positive note, India, in comparison, has a better bowling attack which may life difficult for Markram. The series against India will be an acid test for him and it will determine whether he really belongs to the big stage.