South Africa v India tests - Jan 2018

[meninblue]

Stumps Day 2. India 183/5, trailing by 152 runs. Saffers favorites to win this test at this scorecard position.

Virat 85* and Hardik 11 *. The deficit of 152 runs has to be wiped off. Lead looks difficult as we are left with just wickets. Very obvious that the partnership between Virat & Hardik tomorrow would be the key. Ashwin can definitely bat for some runs on this wicket, however we have to remember Bhuvi is not there. After Ash it is Ishant, Shami and Jas.

[andy]

some turn for Maharaj today, who is slowly turning into one of the most valuable members of this SA side, bowled really well, and kept things tight for his captain on a pretty good batting track

[bigfluffylemon]

I know Ashwin knows which was up to hold a bat, but to all appearances this Indian side has a very long tail - Parthiv and Hardik at 6 and 7 does not inspire much confidence.

Batting last India are going to need a first innings lead, and they need Kohli to get it for them.

[mikesiva]

Pandya run out.

Kohli gets his century!

[meninblue]

253/6. Still trailing by 82. Hope Virat erases the most of lead.

[Arthur Crabtree]

50 partnership, so these two are settled. New ball in three overs though.

Well done to the second best Test batter around. Handy away ton to settle a few internet discussions.

[meninblue]

50 partnership, so these two are settled. New ball in three overs though.

Well done to the second best Test batter around. Handy away ton to settle a few internet discussions.

Yes, this was the best month to visit Pakpassion. They were laughing at us in first test. But then they collapsed in all 3 matches versus NZ. And now the Virat 100. It's been great week to settle scores with our padosis.

[mikesiva]

Philander gets rid of ashwin for 38. That was a useful innings.

Morkel removes Shami for one...eight down.

[Dr Cricket]

I know Ashwin knows which was up to hold a bat, but to all appearances this Indian side has a very long tail - Parthiv and Hardik at 6 and 7 does not inspire much confidence.

Batting last India are going to need a first innings lead, and they need Kohli to get it for them.

yep the tail is longer without rahane and Bhuvi with them two the batting look strong again in the lower order considering one of Ashwin or Bhuvi will be at 9.

[Arthur Crabtree]

150 up for King Kohli and parity visible over the stern. Now the size of the India lead comes into play. 70+ would negate the penalty of batting last.

[mikesiva]

Morkel again! Ishnt out for three....

[Dr Cricket]

after the first inning give SA 55-45 ahead.
it becomes a innings shoot out now with SA getting the edge because they bowling last.

india not out of it because Ashwin can bowl on Day 3-4 and can win the game for india still with the ball.
should be a good game.

[Arthur Crabtree]

But MM gives SA a crucial lead. India still in it clearly, but SA ahead at half time.

[Dr Cricket]

For me at the moment the only negative for the tour been the batting which is been disappointing considering the batting look in a bad state or not matching the 2013/14 efforts.
last time around the bowlers let the batsman down and this time it looks like the batting letting india down with the bowler doing well so far in all innings.

[Dr Cricket]

Last time around india scored 280+421, 334 and 223.
Last time around the top 5 or 6 all score runs, the tail didn't do anything though think averaged around 40-60 runs for the last 5 wickets which alongside the bowling made the difference in the end.
this time the top order and middle order been poor, with the tail and the bowling batting doing good or ok.