Proteas need not fear Bangalore Test

KHANYISO TSHWAKU looks at five reasons why the Proteas should look forward to the Bangalore Test:

INDIA ’ S RECORD IN BANGALORE

Despite victories when chasing in their last two Tests at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, the hosts have not enjoyed playing there. Of the past nine Tests played at the ground since the eight-wicket win against New Zealand in 1995, they have only won two.

ABILITY TO BOUNCE BACK

The mental fortitude of Russell Domingo ’ s side was always going to be questioned after the three-day drubbing in Mohali. They can take solace from the fact that since they embarked on their winning run on foreign shores, they have not dropped the second Test of a series after losing or drawing the first.

LACK OF TEST EXPERIENCE

Despite having Indian Premier League status due to the Royal Challengers Bangalore basing themselves at the ground, only Cheteshwar Pujara, Ravichandran Ashwin, Murali Vijay and Virat Kohli have played Tests in the city. It does not help much that they do not have Karnataka players in the line-up, but they have not done well in Bangalore.

PACE CAN WIN GAMES

Of the four games India has lost in Bangalore, 42 of the 80 wickets fell to pace. Cold comfort after the spin-induced dizziness of Mohali, but a crumb of consolation for SA.

AB DE VILLIERS FACTOR

Test and T20 cricket are not the same thing but De Villiers ’ s experience of the ground as a Royal Challengers Bangalore player cannot be cast aside easily.