After winning the Test series at home against Sri Lanka last November and dethroning South Africa of the top perch in the Tests, the Indian Test team has continued to play some consistent and fearless cricket over the last twelve months. It was indeed a remarkable effort by the Test team to attain the number one status, but let’s not forget, maintaining the number one status is a herculean task and far more difficult than actually aspiring for the top spot. But the manner, in which the Indian team has gone about maintaining their top position in Test cricket, goes to show the confidence and enormous self-belief that they are playing with. The team has won 12 Test matches and lost just two out of the 23 Matches they have played over the last two years. It’s a staggering record to say the least.
Despite having such an incredible run in the Tests, many cricket pundits and fanatics are baffled and are not entirely convinced over India’s numero uno position in the Tests. They have also expressed their disagreement with ICC ratings, stating, that despite being unable to win a Test series either in Australia or South Africa, how India can be rated as the top Test team. Although, team India has done reasonably well in Australia over the last few tours, the same cannot be said about its success when it comes to touring South Africa. Judging by its record in South Africa, one can say, it’s not been a happy hunting country for the Indians.
HISTORY:
India in South Africa - 1992/93.
The Indian team travelled for its maiden tour to the Rainbow Nation in the year 1992, after the Proteas were readmitted into international cricket. The result though, did not go in India’s favor, as the South Africans stamped their authority on the Indians by beating them 1-0 in the Tests and 5-2 in the one-day internationals. The seamer-friendly conditions clearly disconcerted the Indian batting line-up and runs were hard to come by for the batsmen, which resulted in their undoing. The Indians after their debut tour, visited South Africa on three other occasions. Sadly, history repeated itself, as the Indians were absolutely overwhelmed by the Proteas in both the formats. On their last tour to South Africa in 2006/07, The Indians once again got off to a dismal start, as they were whitewashed 4-0 in the one-day series. But the Indians showed great character and bounced back in style with a victory in the first Test match at Johannesburg, thereby, ensuring that they registered their first ever Test win on South African soil. This tenacious comeback was due to an intoxicating opening spell of fast bowling by Sreesanth, who with his prodigious swing left the South African batting in tatters. But despite being in the driver’s seat, Indians inexplicably let the home team to get back into the series, by lifting their foot off the accelerator. The end result, India lost the series 1-2. This was a major disappointment, as the team once again returned having lost the series.
Team India’s strengths:
Yes, India’s record in South Africa is not outstanding by any stretch of imagination, but be that as it may, it still has all the firepower to conquer the Proteas in their own den. The current Indian team with the dazzling talent and experience at their disposal has a golden opportunity to turn the screws on South Africa this December.
India are playing impeccable and ruthless cricket at the moment, and the players are in terrific shape to tour South Africa. Unlike the previous touring squads, this squad has a nice blend of youth and experience. The players are extremely hungry for success and are desperate to make a strong statement to the cricketing world. With the youngsters coming through the ranks, the intensity and the pace in which the team plays has certainly gone up. It is a cohesive unit and they are playing like a family which is very pleasing to see. They also have a shrewd leader in M.S.Dhoni, who leads from the front and comes across as an individual who shoulders his responsibility to the very best. Above all, the never-say-die attitude of the players in the squad makes this team quite a formidable force to reckon with. Considering the above factors, it wouldn’t be an overstatement to say that, this is the best Indian team which will be touring South Africa.
A Glance at South Africa:
Meanwhile, the Proteas too, are playing some tough cricket at the moment. Before losing their top spot to India, they too were going through a purple patch in Test cricket. There climb to the top spot was largely due to their impressive showing in England, Pakistan and Australia. Unfortunately, they could not sustain the number one ranking after having lost their home series to a very potent English side. With that being said, the South Africans are also in a bit of rebuilding phase. They along with India and England are blessed with a lot of talented youngsters coming into their team. The arrival of Hashim Amla and the versatile AB de Villiers has considerably bolstered their batting line-up. Hashim and AB have both taken the onus upon themselves to navigate their teams batting. On the other hand, their bowling is arguably the best bowling attack in the world at the moment. Dale Steyn, who for the last two years in succession has been rated as the top ICC bowler in the world is sending shivers down the opposition batsmen’s spine. With his fiery pace and his ability to move the ball both ways makes him quite a tough customer to handle. To support his outburst, he has the company of Morne Morkel and Wayne Parnell, who have also managed to grab wickets at regular intervals. These three are capable of running through any side in their home conditions. So, India’s success will depend much on how the Indian batters negotiate the South African bowlers.
Yes, India thus far has not had a very celebrated tour to South Africa. But, given the current form and the balance of the team, it wouldn’t be a surprise if India pulls off a series victory in the longer as well as the shorter version of the game. The batters no doubt, have to pile on the runs, but they also need support from the bowlers, especially from the quickermen. The fast bowlers need to make full use of the conducive conditions and try making in-roads into the South African batting. As far as the batting goes, there are plenty of experienced batsmen, who have been to South Africa before and of course, there are those young batsmen who have played a lot of IPL and Champions League cricket in South Africa in the recent past. This experience will certainly help them adapt and play better. The Indian team also, has Gary Kirsten as their coach, who will provide the necessary inputs based on his experience of playing in South Africa. Remember, ever since Gary was roped in by the BCCI to coach the team, it has gone on to achieve success in the longer format of the game. So, in all fairness, India can’t ask for more. The situation is tailor-made for the team to travel to South Africa and avenge their previous defeats.
Irrespective of what happens in the series, Test cricket fans are in stored for a treat, as the four big giants of Test cricket will do battle in two corners of the world. While India will be looking forward to winning the series in South Africa and justifying their number one ranking in the Tests. Australia will be desperate to regain The Ashes when they lock horns against the Englishmen. Undoubtedly, these two high-profile series will be a perfect way to market Test cricket to the world.
