SA series - Weather will play a big role in the first test

Focus of SA Planning

Reports coming from Africa suggest that weather could play a big role in the first test match, especially on the first few days, before it brightens on the weekend. Grass is still present on the pitch though one does not know what will happen today.

Cricinfo have, in their mandatory Stats article before the start of a test match, outlined why South Africa is the favorites by many facts:

• Lost only to Australia (4 times) and England (once) in series played after 1991
• The Indian batting averages in SA are less than their overall career averages
• The South Africans (batsmen or bowlers) love the Centurion as their records on this ground show

But stats reveal more than they hide - that is what as an Indian supporter, I will be hoping for.

One interesting point was that Swann, Sakib and Harris have taken five-wickets hauls on this ground - I would like to believe this and hope that Harbhajan will find success. Just like Prince suggested the other day.

Morne Morkel joined the sound action and commented that he is looking forward to the duel with the Indian openers. Are strategies being built only on Sehwag? What about the others in the team - are they easy pushovers? South Africa must be thinking so while our batsmen might be smiling. Discussions about the wicket have been plenty this time - if the Proteas create a pitch that helps bowlers, they will definitely fear the Indian bowling attack (provided Zaheer plays). If not, it shows that they respect the Indian team, giving the latter psychological points. Whatever it is, India has to go in a positive frame of mind and start strong - with the toss and put South Africa to bat if they win the toss.

Related articles

• SA Series - Clarity for SA while India has a concern (myhistoryisinteresting.blogspot.com)
• SA Series - Coaches take centre-stage (myhistoryisinteresting.blogspot.com)
• SA series - sound-bites have started already (myhistoryisinteresting.blogspot.com)
• SA series - Dravid and Rice to the fore (myhistoryisinteresting.blogspot.com)