News
Sat 14 Dec 2013, 1:43 pm
Summary
Homely Durban India’s best chance of a comeback
What
Second of the three-match ODI series between South Africa and India
When
Sunday, December 8, 2013. Time: 10:00 local, 08:00 GMT, 13:30 IST
Where
Kingsmead, Durban, South Africa
The Teams
India
South Africa was always going to be a challenge for the Indian batsmen but it was the fast bowlers that disappointed more in the first ODI by conceding 358 runs in helpful conditions. While techniques cannot be altered in two days, gameplan can. Bowling fuller length and close to the stumps should be the focus of the Indian pacers in Durban.
As far as making changes to the team goes, MS Dhoni might consider replacing Mohit Sharma – who strayed wide and bowled short in Johannesburg – with either Umesh Yadav or Ishant Sharma. Yuvraj Singh will be feeling the pressure after his fourth ODI duck of the year, as will Suresh Raina after yet another low score. Ajinkya Rahane must be feeling hopeful.
South Africa
The hosts ticked all the boxes at the Wanderers while demolishing India. However, as skipper AB de Villiers said after the match, the important thing will be to keep the noose tightened around the visitors in Durban – the venue where the Indians will feel most at home.
After the thumping win, the Proteas have no reason to fiddle with the team combination. Quinton de Kock’s brilliant century means Graeme Smith could remain on the sidelines.
Key Players
India
Most Indian batsmen looked like cats on a hot tin roof while facing up against the relentless Dale Steyn. The only Indian top-order batsman who looked comfortable was Virat Kohli. The highlight of his 35-ball stay at the crease was the twin fours he hit off Steyn – a push through covers off an outswinger was followed by an equally well timed on-drive. India will want Virat to bat longer in Durban and play a major role in handling Steyn’s venom.
South Africa
It is difficult to look beyond Dale Steyn while picking the key player of the Proteas. He might not have dismissed any of the top-five Indian batsmen in the first match but he made sure their stay at the wicket was a forgetful one. Rohit Sharma will testify. Steyn’s swing, teasing line and immaculate length backed by his tremendous speed will be the Indians’ biggest challenge in the second ODI and all their matches on the tour.
Statistics
Matches at Durban
| Mts | Won | Lost | NR | Tied | Won% |
South Africa | 30 | 15 | 10 | 4 | 1 | 50.00 |
India | 8 | 2 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 25.00 |
| Mts | Ind | SA | NR |
India v South Africa | 6 | 0 | 5 | 1 |
Result summary:
Total no. of matches | Won by side batting 1st | Won by side batting 2nd | NR | Tied |
38 | 17 | 15 | 5 | 1 |
|
Average first innings score (overall): 232
Average first innings score (last 5 matches): 259
Trivia
Johannesburg ODI provided the ninth instance in 2013 of India conceding 300-plus total. With this India equalled the ODI record of a side conceding most 300-plus totals in a calendar year. India had also achieved this dubious distinction in 2009.
Hashim Amla is 59 short of 4000 runs in ODIs. He will become the quickest to reach this landmark. Viv Richards currently holds the record with 88 innings. Amla has so far played only 80 innings.
The Squads
India: MS Dhoni (capt/wk), Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Ajinkya Rahane, Ambati Rayudu, Amit Mishra, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Mohit Sharma, Ishant Sharma.
South Africa: AB de Villiers (cap), Hashim Amla, Greame Smith, Jacques Kallis, Henry Davids, Quinton de Kock (wk), JP Duminy, David Miller,Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, Ryan McLaren, Wayne Parnell, Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Vernon Philander, Imran Tahir.
