India Begins Overwhelming Favourite
The Hindu|October 02, 2019
Saha replaces Pant in the playing XI; South Africa expected to put up a brave fight
R. Ashwin and Ravindra S. Dinakar
India Begins Overwhelming Favourite

Familiarity can lead to complacency. And adversity can lift sides in unfamiliar settings.

Cricket is a funny game and surprises are not uncommon. Yet, India, competitive abroad and ruthless at home, should start the three-Test series against South Africa as the overwhelming favourite.

And the dusty cream coloured track at the ACAVDCA Stadium should suit the top-ranked Test side in the world as the first Test gets underway here on Wednesday.

For a South African side, rebuilding, the Freedom series presents a wonderful opportunity to display togetherness and fight. Proteas needs heroes to emerge.

Rain forecast

Tuesday was bright here, but spells of rain have been forecast during the Test. Damp conditions and a cloud cover could provide a lifeline to the South Africans with their world-class pacemen, led by Kagiso Rabada.

If the conditions remain hot and dry, and cracks develop on the surface, apart from spin, reverse swing could dent line-ups.

The host has made some important choices. Wriddhiman Saha, who last figured in a Test at Cape Town in 2018 before being derailed by injuries, is back in the eleven.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE HINDUView all
‘Olympics Cancellation Likely If Vaccine Not Found In Time'
The Hindu

‘Olympics Cancellation Likely If Vaccine Not Found In Time'

Further delays impossible, says Tokyo Games organising panel chief Mori

time-read
1 min  |
April 29, 2020
It's Wholesale Only At Koyambedu Market
The Hindu

It's Wholesale Only At Koyambedu Market

Retail outlets to remain shut to bring down crowding.

time-read
2 mins  |
April 29, 2020
Ministry Does U-Turn On Plasma Therapy
The Hindu

Ministry Does U-Turn On Plasma Therapy

Treatment not proven: Health official

time-read
2 mins  |
April 29, 2020
Trump's Bleach Statements Echo Claims By Pseudo-Scientists
The Hindu

Trump's Bleach Statements Echo Claims By Pseudo-Scientists

‘Miracle cure’ quacks have long promoted industrial bleach to treat autism, malaria and many other medical conditions

time-read
3 mins  |
April 29, 2020
U.S. May Seek Damages From China
The Hindu

U.S. May Seek Damages From China

President says many options on the table to hold Beijing accountable, draws an angry response

time-read
2 mins  |
April 29, 2020
Koyambedu Market May Be Shifted Out
The Hindu

Koyambedu Market May Be Shifted Out

Decision likely at today's meeting of stakeholders; aim is to enforce physical distancing

time-read
2 mins  |
April 28, 2020
Massive Spike Of 522 Cases In Maharashtra
The Hindu

Massive Spike Of 522 Cases In Maharashtra

On Monday, cumulative tally surged to 8,590 positive cases with 27 more deaths

time-read
2 mins  |
April 28, 2020
The Script Of Disruption And A New Order
The Hindu

The Script Of Disruption And A New Order

Across the globe, the geopolitical and geo-economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic could be serious

time-read
6 mins  |
April 28, 2020
A Policy Road Map To Tackle Covid-19
The Hindu

A Policy Road Map To Tackle Covid-19

The interest of each and the interests of all now coincide, not only within nations but for all humanity

time-read
5 mins  |
April 28, 2020
ICMR Says No Payment Made For Chinese Test Kits Supplies
The Hindu

ICMR Says No Payment Made For Chinese Test Kits Supplies

Alleged profiteering by distributors supplying the kits

time-read
2 mins  |
April 28, 2020