India vs South Africa : What to expect?

I would wake up in the morning and switch on the tv there would be the Ashes to watch, as I have my morning coffee (rather kapi in davara-tumbler) and newspapers. Just when I have had my brunch and when my eyes seem to have initiated shutdown after seeing off the stumps in Ashes(the scorecard most probably reading Cook* or {some australian spinner's name} going wicketless), I suddenly realize that that there is going to be another cricket match starting shortly. So finally, cricket season is here! ( you might ask me when it wasn't but I don't care, it just sounds cool).

An India vs South Africa test series has never before attracted so much attention to it. The prime reason being, India are at the top of the ICC test rankings. (the same reason ODI cricket got a huge boost after 1983) Going into the series, the Indians unlike the previous times are no under dogs. This, as most would expect will be one of the more closely contested contests in the recent times.

On the Indian perspective, as always we have one of the most enviable batting lineups. The openers, arguably the best around have the most challenging role of seeing off the new ball which will be bounced in by Steyn and Morkel. Dravid, who has been India's most consistent player away from home will looking forward to set his records straight with South Africa, especially after his dismal performance as a captain in his last tour  exactly four years back. Then too, he was in a really good touch after the tour of West Indies where he won the man of the series for his brilliant knocks which came at a time when most batsmen were clueless.

The main difference between the tours is however is the absence of Saurav Ganguly who will be replaced by Suresh Raina. Ironically the short ball has proved to be a nemesis for both the southpaws. It will be a huge test for Raina who will be tested on wickets which are least suited for him. He will remain as a wildcard even though I feel that the he has enough up his sleeve to come out successful.

The dark horse however is the Indian bowling attack especially the pace bowling department. They are the unsung heroes in India's rise to the top and have proven that spinners are no more the face the Indian bowling. Even though India's rise to top was helped immensely by their home advantage over the past two years, its important to see the role played by Indian pace bowlers especially Zaheer Khan in the conditions not favouring him. He with his control and reverse swing, has emerged as one of the best bowlers in the world with the old ball. Even the lone match which India has won in the south african soil was set up by special performance from Sreesanth who with his seam postion can match up to any batsmen, on his day. Ishant Sharma has not been quite consistent after he showed the world what he is capable of with the ten overs he bowled to Ricky Ponting. He will relish the bouncy conditions with his six-foot height and will be hoping to cement his place in the team.

Nevertheless, South Africa too are looking equally strong with every department. Hamia Amla especially is in the form of his life and will put up a big price for his wicket. Of course the old war horse Kallis is still the best all rounder around and will challenge the Indians in every way, not forgetting the slip catching.

So we can expect to see all the drama a good test match would have. Ideally, a triple ton from Sehwag, a match saving( more preferrably match winning like mohali) innings from Laxman, yet another hundered from the master(50th!), a few lusty blows from bahjji and my personal favorite a double from Dravid.