India tour of South Africa is in its last leg and India will be playing the last and final match of the series against South Africa on January 03, 2023, at Newlands, Cape Town. The first test match of 2-match series was won by South Africa by an innings and 32 runs at SuperSport Park, Centurion. Except KL Rahul in the first innings and Virat Kohli in the second innings, none of the Indian batsmen could withstand the challenges thrown at them by SuperSport Park pitch which is the fastest and bounciest pitch in South Africa.
India landed in South Africa with a dream of winning their first ever test series in South Africa which has been elusive since 1992. But, a magnificent century by Dean Elgar and excellent bowling performances by Kagiso Rabada and debutant Nandre Burger in the first test match ensured that the wait for that coveted series win for India extends. India is all set to play the second test match tomorrow but there are still 5 areas that they should cover before they take on the field:
- Take time, dig in, and bat long: Except for KL Rahul and Virat Kohli in the first match, most of the Indian batsmen looked in a bit of a hurry and tried to unleash their shots early in the innings. Rohit Sharma was seen playing his favourite pull too early, and Yashasvi Jaiswal got carried away and attempted a cover drive on a fuller-length delivery and got late into the shot. Top-order Indian batsmen should take time and delay their favourite shots.
- Shot Selection: Indian batsmen were seen playing the ball too late and away from their bodies in the first match which cost them their wickets. Adaptability will be the key in the second test match. Indian batsmen should consider better shot selection at short and full-length deliveries and try playing as close to the body as possible.
- Try to win sessions: India should consider achieving smaller targets and look forward to winning most of the sessions. India was seen doing too many things in a short period in the first match.
- Better use of Short ball: Indian fast bowlers should make better use of Short deliveries like how Rabada and Burger did in the first match. Newlands pitch is known for providing a fairest contest between Bat and the ball. If a batsman digs in then it would be difficult for the bowlers to break through and hence, the use of short ball will be the key to unsettle the batsmen.
- Big Score from the top 3: Indian openers should see off the new ball which will make life easier for the batsmen to come. Opening partnership is the key. Both in batting and bowling.