Proteas need to find true form for Nagpur
Du Plessis, Amla struggle for runs, Steyn’s fitness a serious concern
WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 18
A2015 S THE second test comes to a soggy end today, thoughts from a South African perspective will turn to Nagpur, for the crucial third test against India. The Proteas have been far from convincing in the Freedom Trophy series, after a fine start to the trip with series wins in both the T20 and the one-day international series. It was expected that they would continue that dominance in the tests, too, but the going has been tough.
The hosts, seemingly galvanised by a change of leadership and more suitable conditions, have been constantly at the tourists, playing most of the better cricket to lead the series 1-0. They were primed in this second test after day one, on 80 without loss, having rolled over South Africa for 214.
Unless something quite extraordinary occurs between this morning and sometime around lunch, this Bangalore test will peter out into a draw, which India will feel on the unfortunate side of.
The Proteas, meanwhile, have had a few days to take stock of where they are in this series, and they will know that they have got away with one here. They have yet to live up to their considerable billing in the ultimate format, and the concern is that the series is now halfway done.
They have missed the influence of some of their brightest stars, including skipper Hashim Amla and Faf du Plessis with the bat, and Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander, who missed the test through injury.
The loss of both Steyn and Philander was visible in the 22 overs that the Proteas bowled on Saturday.
This Bangalore pitch couldn’t have been more-Philanderesque if the influential seamer had prepared it himself. There was just enough nibble for the new ball and the overcast conditions were also encouraging.
Steyn, too, would have been asking questions with the old and the new balls, with both conventional and reverse swing to play with. In their absence, South Africa hit the deck hard but had little joy getting through some strong home defence.
Shikhar Dhawan looked to be finding some form, while Murali Vijay picked up where he left off in Mohali. And while the trio of Morné Morkel, Kagiso Rabada and Kyle Abbott had pace, they didn’t get too much swing.
And so, with the injured Philander on his way home soon, Steyn’s recovery is the next source of concern before next week’s test in Nagpur. Progress has been slow for the “Phalaborwa Express”, and there is still no guarantee that he will be fit in time.
Steyn and Philander have been cornerstones for the Proteas test side for several years now and their absence, even if for only 22 overs, was felt here. India looked emboldened against the new-look attack and scored freely.
The Proteas, 1-0 down with two matches to play, now have to get their best combination and look to finally show their true form in Nagpur.
Steyn, fit and furious, is a vital cog in that top combination.