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India tour of South Africa (2021/22)

<b>ICC — Rohit Sharma ruled out of South Africa Tests; replacement named.</b>

A left hamstring injury sustained during training on Sunday, 12 December has ruled Rohit Sharma out of the three-match Test series in South Africa.

Priyank Panchal, 31, has been named as replacement for the new India Test vice-captain.

Sharma was recently appointed as the full-time T20I and ODI captain of India, apart from being named Test vice-captain, capping a brilliant 2021 for the opener – he scored 947 Test runs, only second to Joe Root in the calendar year, at an average of 47.68.

Sharma played a pivotal role in the home and away series against England, where he was India's highest-run getter with 345 and 368 runs respectively that included Player of the Match-winning performances in Chennai and the Oval.

Panchal was the captain of the India A side that toured South Africa for a three-match unofficial Test series that ended 0-0.

Panchal has vast experience in India's domestic first-class circuit. The 31-year-old has played 100 games in first-class cricket, scoring 7011 runs at 45.52, including 25 centuries and a high score of 314*.

India will play three ICC World Test Championship Tests in South Africa, starting with the Boxing Day Test at Centurion, followed by clashes at The Wanderers and Newlands.

India are No.4 in the WTC table, with a win percentage of 58.33 after four matches. South Africa are yet to play a WTC Test in the ongoing 2021-23 cycle.

<u>Squad:</u> Kohli (c), KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Priyank Panchal, Shreyas Iyer, Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant, Wriddhiman Saha, R Ashwin, Jayant Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj.
 
Rohit will be a big miss. He was a rock during the England tour. With our terrible middle order, now I'm having doubts about this series.
 
Huge blow for India and opens the door for South Africa, Rohit is their best Test batter by far.
 
This tour might end a couple of careers. Rahane is done and, sadly, it maybe the same for Pujara. We need more youngsters in the team. No Jadeja or Axar either. We need SLa's more than offies for more control
 
• Injured in 2014 ENG test series.
• Injured before NZ test series.
• Injured before AUS test series,2020.
• Injured before SA test series,2021.

Rohit Sharma becomes the first ever cricketer to get injured before every SENA test series.
 
I don't know how much longer we can stick around with Rahane, and to a lesser extent, Pujara.
 
That's a huge blow. Without Rohit, it is an incompetent batting lineup overseas at the moment. I never thought I would say this about Rohit.
 
In the absence of Rohit, Hardik Pandya should open the batting for India alongside KL Rahul :yk. It will be an entertaining opening combo indeed.
 
The replacement is another mystifying decision by the selectors, what was the point of selecting Prithvi Shaw and Abhimanyu Easwaran for the England tour if they are going to be dropped without being given a chance. What has Panchal done to leapfrog those two? Easwaran even scored a century at Bloemfontein against South Africa A a couple of weeks ago.
 
Rohit Sharma has been ruled out of the upcoming South Africa Test series due to a hamstring injury, the BCCI tweeted on Monday
 
So he'll get miraculously fit for ensuing ODI series!

It's not been long when this guy was yearning for a place in Indian test team. And now he is missing tests as he wishes.

Someone who misses 5 tests on the trot should not be guaranteed a place in Indian test team.

Priorities of today's players have changed so much.
 
We'll have to endure Pujara, Kohli, Rahane, Ishant for the three tests now, oh man torture. Sometimes I admire serious, dedicated Indian cricket fans for their appetite for punishment and mental torture.

India's best test batsman Rohit is a big miss, big big miss. Also no Gill, just like that we have lost our two best backfoot players. Only excitement in our batting lineup is Pant, if he gets niggled out the clowns will bring in Saha lmao. Indian cricket is a joke right now.

SA favorites for this one, maybe our bowlers can conjure up some magic to win a test, but we aren't crossing 150 per innings with this clown top 7. All Rahane has to do now is average over 20 and get a 40 or 50 in a lost cause, that will provide job security for the next 2 years.
 
Once again Indian bowlers have to do all the work, take all 20 wickets, take catches, score runs after the usual middle order collapses. IMO Bumrah, Shami, Siraj, Umesh, spinners all should get A+ contract even if they play just this one format. Ishant should never be part of any Indian squad.

Imagine persisting with Rahane who averages just 31 in his last 50 tests. This level of lack of accountability is unprecedented in the history of sports.
 
I expect an angry and extremely motivated Kohli.

Rabada and co. better bring their A game.

Kohli will take this series very personally.

I hope COVID does not mess things up.
 
Virat Kohli-led Team India has landed in Centurion for their next away assignment of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship on Thursday. After delivering one of the most explosive press conferences of his captaincy stint, Test skipper Kohli has arrived in South Africa with his teammates for the bilateral red-ball series against the Proteas.

Kohli & Co. had departed for the rainbow nation yesterday after the Test skipper chaired the traditional pre-departure press conference in the build-up to the high-profile series. Kohli became the cynosure of all eyes when the talismanic batter of the Indian cricket team had arrived at the Mumbai airport with his wife Anushka Sharma and daughter Vamika. Kohli had requested the media photographers to respect his family's privacy and avoid taking photos of his daughter at the airport.

On Thursday, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that Team India has touched down in South Africa for the action-packed Test series against the Proteas. The official social media handle of the Indian cricket team shared a couple of photos following the arrival of players in Centurion.

With the emergence of the new COVID-19 variant Omicron, Team India's T20I matches against South Arica have been postponed and the visitors are scheduled to kickstart their tour with three-match Test series. Team India will also play three One Day Internationals (ODIs) with hosts South Africa as part of their away tour.

Kohli-led Team India side is without star batter Rohit Sharma who is ruled out of the Test series due to an injury. Rohit was recently appointed as India's new captain in the white-ball format. After stepping down as T20I skipper of the Men In Blue, former skipper Kohli had pledged ‘absolute support’ to new captain Rohit and head coach Rahul Dravid. Kohli-led Team India will play the first Test match against South Africa at SuperSport Park on December 26.

https://www.timesnownews.com/sports...ries-touchdown-south-africa-see-photos/841149
 
Rohit, Pandya, Jadeja, Axar, Gill all injured.
And come to think of it there was no IPL in last 1 month.
Still injured. Strange eh.
I thought players got injured only in IPL:qdkcheeky
 
MEDIA ADVISORY

December 18, 2021

India’s tour of South Africa, 2021-22

KL Rahul named vice-captain of Test team for South Africa series

The All-India Senior selection committee has named KL Rahul as vice-captain for the upcoming 3-match Test series against South Africa. KL Rahul replaces Rohit Sharma as vice-captain, who was ruled out of the Test series owing to a hamstring injury.

India’s Test squad: Virat Kohli (Captain), KL Rahul (vice-captain), Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Priyank Panchal, Shreyas Iyer, Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Wriddhiman Saha (wicket-keeper), R Ashwin, Jayant Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Mohd. Shami, Umesh Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Shardul Thakur, Md. Siraj

https://www.bcci.tv/articles/2021/n...-captain-of-test-team-for-south-africa-series
 
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Seamers to give India hope of first series win in SA

India batsman Cheteshwar Pujara says they are confident of claiming a historic first test series win in South Africa, led by their potent fast bowling attack on the lively Highveld wickets where the first two of three tests will be played.

India are fresh from home success against New Zealand, while South Africa have not played red-ball cricket since June ahead of the first test that starts in Pretoria on 26 December.

"We have played a couple of tests in India, so most of the guys are in touch," Pujara told the Board of Control for Cricket in India on Saturday.

"There is enough time for us to prepare and the guys are really looking forward to these tests. It is the best chance for us to finally win a series in South Africa."

Pujara believes the growing influence of India's fast bowling attack, which has led to success overseas in the recent past, gives them the confidence they can match the home side on what are usually seamer-friendly wickets in South Africa.

"Our fast bowlers have been the difference between the sides overall when we have played abroad. If you look at the Australia and England series, we have done exceptionally well as a bowling unit.

"Our fast bowlers are our strength (in South Africa) and I hope they can utilise the conditions and give us 20 wickets in each test match."

South Africa may be undercooked, with a number of their leading players having not featured in first-class cricket since their series win in West Indies in June, but Pujara says India must concentrate on what they can do well and not think about the opposition's troubles.

"We would not think too much about whether we have the upper hand or not. We will try and stick to our game-plan and our processes, and the things we need to do to be successful in South Africa."

https://supersport.com/cricket/sout..._to_give_India_hope_of_first_series_win_in_SA
 
MenInG said:
MEDIA ADVISORY

December 18, 2021

India’s tour of South Africa, 2021-22

KL Rahul named vice-captain of Test team for South Africa series

The All-India Senior selection committee has named KL Rahul as vice-captain for the upcoming 3-match Test series against South Africa. KL Rahul replaces Rohit Sharma as vice-captain, who was ruled out of the Test series owing to a hamstring injury.

India’s Test squad: Virat Kohli (Captain), KL Rahul (vice-captain), Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Priyank Panchal, Shreyas Iyer, Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Wriddhiman Saha (wicket-keeper), R Ashwin, Jayant Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Mohd. Shami, Umesh Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Shardul Thakur, Md. Siraj

https://www.bcci.tv/articles/2021/n...-captain-of-test-team-for-south-africa-series
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Batting looks very suspect on form and talent. Guys like Shreyas Iyer struggle to lay bat on ball on bouncy wickets.. Indian bowlers will have to win the series...
 
Will be an exciting series.
However, i see lots of indian posters a tad over confident. Considering we always are bad starters, i hope somehow we come out of centurion and fire at wanderers and newlands.
The saffer attack is excellent with KG, nortje, Olivier and ngidi, with shamsi, maharaj. I feel the massive unknown is Olivier who is a tall hit the deck and seam it Jamieson kind of guy + he is sure to get swing at Jo-burg.
With no Rohit, Gill , added onus on KL and co . Our middle order is totally misifiring and its last chance saloon for che pu and jinks.
On the bowling front Ishant has not delivered for a time, and he is due some wickets and if no wickets hopefully he puts in a big shift and keeps the runs down.
Jazz boom has not been the same since early 2019 WI tour and his injury, hope he amps it up in SAF.
like wise for Ashwin who will have no jads in support.
I expect Siraj to go beast but a lot will depend on how shami and yadav offer support.
All in all , i feel its going to be our top order against kg and olivier.
Bring it on:ds
 
Proteas will start as slight favourites in my view. Most likely line up.

Elgar
Markram
Keegan Peterson
Dussen
Bavuma
Q de Kock
W Mulder
Maharaj
Olivier
Nortje
Rabada

I would have liked Hamza ahead of Keegan for sure, but as of now Keegan will get his chance.

This team is 2 short on transformation target, so probably we will see more colored players in the ODIs.

India most likely XI

Mayank
Rahul
Pujara
Kohli
Rahane
Iyer
Pant
Ashwin
Siraj
Shami
Bumrah

India's middle order is completely out of form, while Rahul is also making a comeback. Ashwin will be neutralized more so in RSA than in any other country. Proteas pace attack is slightly better than India's in home conditions, same can be said about the batting.
 
This Saffer team is the weakest since readmission. A couple of decent bats and one top bowler in Nortje. Rabada looks a shadow of the bowler since the ball tampering scandal against Aus and De Kock is unhappy with the forced symbolic gestures. Ind to win 3-0
 
Problem for India is that almost every alternate innings the lower order has bailed India out. Even in home series against NZL lower order had to do their bit.

Unless the batting really comes good, it will be difficult for Lower order to perform heroics in South Africa, more so difficult than in ENG or Aus.

India's pace bowling is brilliant, no doubt about it. South African batsmen have home advantage and this contest will be the key.

South Africa to win 2-1, provided the series goes ahead in the first place. Covid means nothing is certain.
 
sam_ahm said:
Proteas will start as slight favourites in my view. Most likely line up.

Elgar
Markram
Keegan Peterson
Dussen
Bavuma
Q de Kock
W Mulder
Maharaj
Olivier
Nortje
Rabada

I would have liked Hamza ahead of Keegan for sure, but as of now Keegan will get his chance.

This team is 2 short on transformation target, so probably we will see more colored players in the ODIs.

India most likely XI

Mayank
Rahul
Pujara
Kohli
Rahane
Iyer
Pant
Ashwin
Siraj
Shami
Bumrah

India's middle order is completely out of form, while Rahul is also making a comeback. Ashwin will be neutralized more so in RSA than in any other country. Proteas pace attack is slightly better than India's in home conditions, same can be said about the batting.
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I agree. Rohit will be missed too. The batting is weak and the bowling of both sides in these conditions are more or less same.

SA slight favourites.
 
Bewal Express said:
This Saffer team is the weakest since readmission. A couple of decent bats and one top bowler in Nortje. Rabada looks a shadow of the bowler since the ball tampering scandal against Aus and De Kock is unhappy with the forced symbolic gestures. Ind to win 3-0
Click to expand...

In South African conditions, the notable gap between these two sides will be reduced significantly.
 
James said:
In South African conditions, the notable gap between these two sides will be reduced significantly.
Click to expand...

It maybe but I see an easy Ind win if they turn up. SA must get Rabada to somewhere near being decent again, if he turns up and Nortje is allowed to bowl aggressively, then you never know.
 
Bewal Express said:
This Saffer team is the weakest since readmission. A couple of decent bats and one top bowler in Nortje. Rabada looks a shadow of the bowler since the ball tampering scandal against Aus and De Kock is unhappy with the forced symbolic gestures. Ind to win 3-0
Click to expand...


Lol this must be the lamest attempt at reverse jinxing I've ever seen. :91:

I know South Africa aren't as strong as they were until 2018 but you're talking as if they're Zimbabwe to sweep them 3-0 in their own backyard. I agree that India are favourites, but we too will be without our best batter (Rohit) and a pivotal player in Jadeja who usually gives us that much needed balance SENA. And most importantly, we will be playing with a grand total of zero practice games under our belt and a total of 7 days to acclimatize to SAF conditions.

In Elgar, Markram, RVD, QDK etc, South Africa has a pretty good batting lineup. And with the return of Olivier, their fast bowling looks as strong as it could. We're going to have a cracker of a series with toss playing a huge role , just hope COVID stays away.
 
Mesozoic said:
Lol this must be the lamest attempt at reverse jinxing I've ever seen. :91:

I know South Africa aren't as strong as they were until 2018 but you're talking as if they're Zimbabwe to sweep them 3-0 in their own backyard. I agree that India are favourites, but we too will be without our best batter (Rohit) and a pivotal player in Jadeja who usually gives us that much needed balance SENA. And most importantly, we will be playing with a grand total of zero practice games under our belt and a total of 7 days to acclimatize to SAF conditions.

In Elgar, Markram, RVD, QDK etc, South Africa has a pretty good batting lineup. And with the return of Olivier, their fast bowling looks as strong as it could. We're going to have a cracker of a series with toss playing a huge role , just hope COVID stays away.
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Rohit doesn't have a good record in SA and although he has improved, he wont be missed and Jadeja offers more as a batsman than as a bowler. He is a very average bowler outside Ind.
 
James said:
In South African conditions, the notable gap between these two sides will be reduced significantly.
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+1

It won't be out of the question for SA to win this series.
 
Bewal Express said:
Rohit doesn't have a good record in SA and although he has improved, he wont be missed and Jadeja offers more as a batsman than as a bowler. He is a very average bowler outside Ind.
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Rohit didn't have a good record in England too but look what he has done in the recent series. He's a completely different test batter from 2017 and is currently our best by a country mile as evident by his performances since 2019. Don't know how you can just say he won't be missed especially when he bats at the most crucial spot (in SENA) as an opener.

And Jadeja's importance to the Indian test team has been discussed in lengths by multiple posters on this site. Don't think I can say much if you genuinely think he's "average". Without him we'll either be a batter or a bowler short.
 
Our batting is very weak without Rohit and Jadeja. Kohli and Pujara will have to step up. No hopes from Rahane.

Bowlers cant do everything
 
Mesozoic said:
Rohit didn't have a good record in England too but look what he has done in the recent series. He's a completely different test batter from 2017 and is currently our best by a country mile as evident by his performances since 2019. Don't know how you can just say he won't be missed especially when he bats at the most crucial spot (in SENA) as an opener.

And Jadeja's importance to the Indian test team has been discussed in lengths by multiple posters on this site. Don't think I can say much if you genuinely think he's "average". Without him we'll either be a batter or a bowler short.
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Rohit has improved but I am not sure if he will be missed much. A lot would have depended on the wickets but facing Nortje would have given him a hell of a test. Jadeja outside Ind as bowler is very average but offers a lot as a late order batter when bowlers are tired but Ashwim offers alot at 8 and both wouldn't have played
 
We have no batting this time. No Rohit (our best batsman since 2019), no Gill (strong backfoot player), no Jadeja (2nd best batsman since 2019), no Sundar (future middle order star).

Numbers 3 to 5 are walking wickets, their combined total will be <450 runs in 18 innings, and that is the upper limit if they play their best cricket of last 2 years. I am expecting a 300 total from the 3 stooges in 3 tests.

Mayank is useless against swing/seam, Iyer is a bunny against pace/bounce. KL Rahul is a mental midget.

How much can Pant alone do?
 
Hope Pant does well, he will enjoy the pace and steep bounce. After Australia and India if there is one country where I expect him to be a match-winner it is SA.
 
Bewal Express said:
Rohit has improved but I am not sure if he will be missed much. A lot would have depended on the wickets but facing Nortje would have given him a hell of a test. Jadeja outside Ind as bowler is very average but offers a lot as a late order batter when bowlers are tired but Ashwim offers alot at 8 and both wouldn't have played
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Well I'm not sure what to say when one is arguing this vehemently whether a team is going to miss it's best batsman or not. So let's just agree to disagree. Rohit is a phenomenal player of pace and bounce so don't think Nortje would have troubled him that much. We are going to miss Gill as well as he too is a fantastic player of pace and true bounce.

Ashwin and Jadeja bring something very different to the table and in SENA. Jadeja walks in as a no.6 batter while ashwin is more of a no. 8. We don't really need Jadeja's bowling to win test matches in SENA thanks to our seam attack. And besides, he averages 25 in SAF and 21 in Australia in the last 2 series with the ball so you can't really say he's "average". On faster wickets, he can be lethal with those quick skiddy straight balls.
 
What kind of pitches will SA offer this time? If they are green mambas, Bumrah/Siraj/Shami/Thakur will be a deadly unit and this SA batting isn't that strong. India may edge them out in low scoring thrillers.

They can't offer SC like tracks otherwise Ashwin will maul them. Maharaj is good, but not that good.

Maybe tracks that offer pace/bounce/seam but on the flatter side like 2013-14 series.
 
Swashbuckler said:
Maybe tracks that offer pace/bounce/seam but on the flatter side like 2013-14 series.
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That would play into India's hands as they are the better team and have the spinners to take advantage of flat tracks. I'd be amazed if they don't prepare green tops.
 
Last Monetarist said:
That would play into India's hands as they are the better team and have the spinners to take advantage of flat tracks. I'd be amazed if they don't prepare green tops.
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When exactly have SA had green tops, add to that it's summer time over there and the greentops won't help much anyway.

The pitches, particularly at Centurion have bounce and come on quickly. There won't be much swing or seam but there will be pace and SA have plenty of that. I just think we're up to the task this time.

India 1-0 up after Centurion.
 
Last Monetarist said:
That would play into India's hands as they are the better team and have the spinners to take advantage of flat tracks. I'd be amazed if they don't prepare green tops.
Click to expand...

India only have Ashwin though. Jadeja and Axar are injured, so we are likely going to play 1 spinner + 4 pacers. Which means Thakur has to be one of the pacers or our tail would be too long.

Ashwin
Thakur
M Shami
J Bumrah
I Sharma/M Siraj/U Yadav
 
Swashbuckler said:
We have no batting this time. No Rohit (our best batsman since 2019), no Gill (strong backfoot player), no Jadeja (2nd best batsman since 2019), no Sundar (future middle order star).

Numbers 3 to 5 are walking wickets, their combined total will be <450 runs in 18 innings, and that is the upper limit if they play their best cricket of last 2 years. I am expecting a 300 total from the 3 stooges in 3 tests.

Mayank is useless against swing/seam, Iyer is a bunny against pace/bounce. KL Rahul is a mental midget.

How much can Pant alone do?
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Kohli has always come out of slump in a roaring fashion. Whether we win or not, I don't know. I am calling a bumper series for Kohli. Similar to his Aus 2014/15 series.
 
Cricket South Africa (CSA) has noted the interests of cricket fans and other stakeholders on the scheduling and the release of the details of ticket sales, in connection with the forthcoming India vs Proteas tour that is scheduled to begin in less than a week.

Regrettably, CSA wishes to inform the most ardent fans of cricket as well as all sports lovers that owing to the increasing COVID cases around the world, and the fourth wave locally, the two cricketing bodies have taken a joint decision to protect the players and the tour by NOT making tickets available for the India vs Proteas offerings. This decision was taken in order to avoid any breaches that could compromise the tour from a Covid-risk perspective and to also maintain a hazard-free bubble environment.

At this stage we would like to remind all cricket fans that the tour and the matches will still be broadcast on SuperSport and SABC platforms. In addition to this and as part of ongoing efforts to increase the reach of cricket, CSA is exploring other alternative public viewing activations which will ensure that a limited number of fans are able to enjoy the summer cricket atmosphere with other fans via activation sites, while still observing the strictest safety measures and exercising duty of care. CSA will announce the available alternative public viewing activations as soon as the relevant approvals have been secured.

Pholetsi Moseki, CSA Acting Chief Executive Officer said, “We acknowledge the interest expressed by the fans and other stakeholders on being able to return to stadiums and want to assure all cricket fans that this decision was not taken lightly, but was instead taken in the best interest of the game and in the interest of the health and safety of all patrons. Consequently, we urge all sport lovers to exercise absolute care, during these extraordinary times. I also wish to take this time to urge all South Africans to continue spreading the positive messages of VACCINATION, VACCINATION AND VACCINATION, because this is the only way that we can truly get our country back into its high economic activity, which will assist government to open up the economy and all its forms of economic activity, including allowing greater numbers of fans back into stadiums.”
 
yeah sane decision. Else one or two cases here and there and whole tour will be jeopardy.
CSA is banking on this series to make them some much needed money.
 
Kohli's brainless team selection cost us test series last time. This is our best chance to manage series win in South Africa.
Very eager for series😊
 
Proteas bowler, Anrich Nortje, has been ruled out of the three-match, Betway Test series against India, due to a persistent injury. He has unfortunately not recovered adequately for the expected Test match bowling loads and is currently consulting with specialists to manage and advise on his recovery. No replacement will be brought in.

The Proteas have commenced their final preparation ahead of the first match starting on Boxing Day. It is the Test team’s first series since their successful tour to the West Indies in July of this year, where they won the series two-nil.

The teams will be playing for vital, ICC World Test Championship points.
 
South Africa are overwhelming favourites here. They will expose this aged indian cricket team. Also, were not even at full strength with Rohit and Jadeja out of the series. With Olivier back, SA should be too strong in SA
 
Anrich Nortje is injured and ruled out of the test series against India.

This is a MASSIVE setback for South Africa.

This means Rabada, Olivier, Lungi, Mulder, Maharaj will be the bowling attack.
 
South Africa is going down the West Indies route and is currently at the start of their decline in cricket. With all the politics involved in SAF cricket this was bound to happen one day. Well I do hope they remain a force in cricket going forward but it would be highly unlikely. This series would be an easy win for India. I expect them to be very dominant throughout the series and won't rule out a 3-0 victory to them.
 
Olivier loves eating subcontinent batsman. He will make a meal of Mayank and Iyer.
 
From a South African perspective, I don't think this tour is about winning/losing. They simply need an India tour to stay afloat.

I don't mean that with the aim of putting an asterix over an Indian victory but this tour is exceptionally important to the long term survival of CSA.

If South Africa get an innings defeat in each test but the series goes on uninterrupted then it will be a victory for the board.

India have every right to pull out especially given the scale of the Omricon variant so they deserve a lot of credit if the tour goes ahead.
 
SA best fast bowler by a mile is now injured. Ind were favourites before this, they will be hot favourites after this.
 
DeadlyVenom said:
From a South African perspective, I don't think this tour is about winning/losing. They simply need an India tour to stay afloat.

I don't mean that with the aim of putting an asterix over an Indian victory but this tour is exceptionally important to the long term survival of CSA.

If South Africa get an innings defeat in each test but the series goes on uninterrupted then it will be a victory for the board.

India have every right to pull out especially given the scale of the Omricon variant so they deserve a lot of credit if the tour goes ahead.
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This.

I commented earlier that it was a miracle that the BCCI has chosen to proceed with all 3 tests and culled the T20s.
 
DeadlyVenom said:
From a South African perspective, I don't think this tour is about winning/losing. They simply need an India tour to stay afloat.

I don't mean that with the aim of putting an asterix over an Indian victory but this tour is exceptionally important to the long term survival of CSA.

If South Africa get an innings defeat in each test but the series goes on uninterrupted then it will be a victory for the board.

India have every right to pull out especially given the scale of the Omricon variant so they deserve a lot of credit if the tour goes ahead.
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Too generous from BCCI to tour RSA in such a tough time. Many countries banned flights from that region due to OMICRON but BCCI showed lot of guts to send their team for the full schedule.
Firstly they continued their Sri Lanka tour despite covid scare in Indian sqaud now they are helping RSA.
Top Quality effort from BCCI and Indian team players in the hard time of covid. They definitely deserve to lead world cricket. Stop framing them as villains.
 
sam_ahm said:
Anrich Nortje is injured and ruled out of the test series against India.

This is a MASSIVE setback for South Africa.

This means Rabada, Olivier, Lungi, Mulder, Maharaj will be the bowling attack.
Click to expand...

Oliver and Mulder are no Nortje but in SA conditions they'll be a handful. If Rabada has his tail up, they still have a good attack to bundle India out cheaply.

India's batting needs to come good, else our best shot at a win in SA will be wasted.
 
Varun said:
This.

I commented earlier that it was a miracle that the BCCI has chosen to proceed with all 3 tests and culled the T20s.
Click to expand...

Well done to the BCCI.

CSA needs the Test matches more because the cumulative value of the broadcasting rights contract for a Test tour is higher. It flies in the face of conventional wisdom on how white ball cricket subsidizes Test cricket in most countries. It's the same case for when Australia or England tour South Africa.

Given there is no crowd due to covid, white ball cricket is less important (as it should be).
 
Truly great bowlers like Marshall, Rabada, Mohammad Shami etc have the knack of upping their game when they are against best teams in the business.

I still can't forget an angry Rabada making life hell and single handedly dominating the Australians in the sandpaper series. He was an angry man then and meant business only, he was so good that he single handedly outperformed the quartet pace attack of Australia- Cummins, Hazelwood, Starc and sandpaper as he demolished the Australian batting by taking 5-fers in both innings of the 2nd test.

I look forward to the same version of KG Rabada in this test series.
 
Last edited:
Bewal Express said:
No zip,no fire, defensive lengths. Looks a shadow of the bowler before the ball tampering scandal
Click to expand...

Zipless, fireless Rabada has a better average than “better by a mile” Nortje in the same duration. Time for Bewal Express to leave the station lol
 
BreadPakoda said:
Zipless, fireless Rabada has a better average than “better by a mile” Nortje in the same duration. Time for Bewal Express to leave the station lol
Click to expand...

You can give me all the stats but I have watched him bowl and he has been average. Its the reason the IPL franchise released him and kept Nortje
 
Bewal Express said:
You can give me all the stats but I have watched him bowl and he has been average. Its the reason the IPL franchise released him and kept Nortje
Click to expand...
Oh, so you’re ignoring test stats and going by T20 format and that too what IPL franchises did :uakmal
 
BreadPakoda said:
Oh, so you’re ignoring test stats and going by T20 format and that too what IPL franchises did :uakmal
Click to expand...

I am not ignoring anything- i asked who the wickets were against in tests, and suddenly the stats werent being quoted maybe because they were against the Windies. The IPL know that Rabada has lacked his zip and that was also reflected in the T20 WC. Rabada remains a decent bowler but he isnt the world beater that he was before the tampering scandal. Can he get back to his best, off course he can but he needs to bowl fuller and attack the batsman, and stop bowling defensive lengths. Broad and Anderson had the same problem a few years back and the Sky commies kept telling them but they didnt accept the advice and then fully woke up.
 
Bewal Express said:
I am not ignoring anything- i asked who the wickets were against in tests, and suddenly the stats werent being quoted maybe because they were against the Windies. The IPL know that Rabada has lacked his zip and that was also reflected in the T20 WC. Rabada remains a decent bowler but he isnt the world beater that he was before the tampering scandal. Can he get back to his best, off course he can but he needs to bowl fuller and attack the batsman, and stop bowling defensive lengths. Broad and Anderson had the same problem a few years back and the Sky commies kept telling them but they didnt accept the advice and then fully woke up.
Click to expand...

You didn’t get a response because nothing will convince a person who goes by IPL performances to judge test capabilities of a bowler. If Rabada destroyed WI, Nortje too feasted on hapless WI / Pak / SL batsmen. But as you’ve said before, test stats don’t matter to you. For you, the decisions Sunrisers and Delhi capitals take is a better measure.

I go by test performances / stats. You go by IPL franchise actions. We’re not the same bro so let’s agree to disagree.
 
BreadPakoda said:
You didn’t get a response because nothing will convince a person who goes by IPL performances to judge test capabilities of a bowler. If Rabada destroyed WI, Nortje too feasted on hapless WI / Pak / SL batsmen. But as you’ve said before, test stats don’t matter to you. For you, the decisions Sunrisers and Delhi capitals take is a better measure.

I go by test performances / stats. You go by IPL franchise actions. We’re not the same bro so let’s agree to disagree.
Click to expand...

IPL makes no difference to me, I hardly watch it. You ignored the question because it didn't back up your case. The Windies batting lineup is as poor as Zimbos and he hardly uprooted any trees against PK, he was easily outbowled by AN. I am not sure how about your cricket knowledge but it seems you are confused.
 
Bewal Express said:
IPL makes no difference to me, I hardly watch it. You ignored the question because it didn't back up your case. The Windies batting lineup is as poor as Zimbos and he hardly uprooted any trees against PK, he was easily outbowled by AN. I am not sure how about your cricket knowledge but it seems you are confused.
Click to expand...

No shame in admitting you follow IPL after you've already used IPL performances to substantiate your pov.

It’s ok man. As I said, as a purist I follow tests and look at test stats to make any judgements about the purest form of cricket. You said you follow Sunrisers, Delhi Capitals, who knows maybe even Lahore Kalandars to make judgement about test cricket. We’re not the same and there’s no point arguing.
 
BreadPakoda said:
No shame in admitting you follow IPL after you've already used IPL performances to substantiate your pov.

It’s ok man. As I said, as a purist I follow tests and look at test stats to make any judgements about the purest form of cricket. You said you follow Sunrisers, Delhi Capitals, who knows maybe even Lahore Kalandars to make judgement about test cricket. We’re not the same and there’s no point arguing.
Click to expand...

I don't,I catch snippets here and there. I am not a fan of T20 cricket but if its on and there is nothing else to watch, I watch it.
 
Bewal Express said:
Against who?
Click to expand...

Against Pakistan and Windies.

What did Nortje do though and against whom? Sunrisers Hyderabad or KKR as it seems by your other posts that you follow IPL very closely and rating bowlers based on that? :afridi
 
The BCCI has taken guarantee from Cricket South Africa that team India will leave South Africa immediately in case COVID19 situation worsens.
 
Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar believes the absence of key campaigners in the South Africa squad presents India its best-ever chance to register a historic Test series win on South African soil. After defeating ICC World Test Championship holders New Zealand in their backyard, Virat Kohli-led Team India will play their first away series under coach Rahul Dravid's watch in South Africa.

Team India will play three Test matches as part of their campaign in the second edition of the ICC World Test Championship. Talking about India's chances of making history in South Africa, batting legend Gavaskar highlighted the fact that the Proteas will host the Kohli-led side in the absence of several match-winners. While batting icons AB de Villiers and Faf du Plessis have retired from the longest format, former South Africa skipper Quinton de Kock is set to miss part of the India Test series.

"Coming to India's tour of South Africa, the turmoil with the release of the SJN report indicting three former South African greats is certainly not going to help the home team," Gavaskar penned his thoughts in his column for Sportstar. Gavaskar opined that de Kock's absence can present India its best-ever chance of winning a historic Test series on South Africa soil.

Star pacer Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of India's Test series against South Africa on Tuesday. "There is also talk about Quinton de Kock, who loves Indian bowling, not being available to play the second and third Test. That weakens a fragile batting line-up even more and presents India with its best-ever chance of winning a Test series there," Gavaskar said.

According to multiple reports, de Kock is expected to miss at least the third Test between India and hosts South Africa. De Kock's wife is expected to give birth in early January. Under the leadership of du Plessis, the South African Test side had defeated India 2-1 in their previous home assignment.

Gavaskar explained how India can rewrite history under the leadership of Kohli by upstaging the Proteas in the upcoming Test series. "If they do that it will truly be the crowning glory and complete the circle of India winning a Test series in every Test-playing country. South Africa is the last hurdle and once that’s done then the sky is the limit for Indian cricket," the ex-Indian skipper added. The first Test of the bilateral series will be played at Centurion's SuperSport Park on Sunday.

https://www.timesnownews.com/sports...er-chance-of-winning-test-series-in-sa/842424
 
Ab Fan said:
Against Pakistan and Windies.

What did Nortje do though and against whom? Sunrisers Hyderabad or KKR as it seems by your other posts that you follow IPL very closely and rating bowlers based on that? :afridi
Click to expand...

PK batting is very average and Nortje was easily the better bowler out of the two. Always quote statistics in context.
 
MenInG said:
Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar believes the absence of key campaigners in the South Africa squad presents India its best-ever chance to register a historic Test series win on South African soil. After defeating ICC World Test Championship holders New Zealand in their backyard, Virat Kohli-led Team India will play their first away series under coach Rahul Dravid's watch in South Africa.

Team India will play three Test matches as part of their campaign in the second edition of the ICC World Test Championship. Talking about India's chances of making history in South Africa, batting legend Gavaskar highlighted the fact that the Proteas will host the Kohli-led side in the absence of several match-winners. While batting icons AB de Villiers and Faf du Plessis have retired from the longest format, former South Africa skipper Quinton de Kock is set to miss part of the India Test series.

"Coming to India's tour of South Africa, the turmoil with the release of the SJN report indicting three former South African greats is certainly not going to help the home team," Gavaskar penned his thoughts in his column for Sportstar. Gavaskar opined that de Kock's absence can present India its best-ever chance of winning a historic Test series on South Africa soil.

Star pacer Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of India's Test series against South Africa on Tuesday. "There is also talk about Quinton de Kock, who loves Indian bowling, not being available to play the second and third Test. That weakens a fragile batting line-up even more and presents India with its best-ever chance of winning a Test series there," Gavaskar said.

According to multiple reports, de Kock is expected to miss at least the third Test between India and hosts South Africa. De Kock's wife is expected to give birth in early January. Under the leadership of du Plessis, the South African Test side had defeated India 2-1 in their previous home assignment.

Gavaskar explained how India can rewrite history under the leadership of Kohli by upstaging the Proteas in the upcoming Test series. "If they do that it will truly be the crowning glory and complete the circle of India winning a Test series in every Test-playing country. South Africa is the last hurdle and once that’s done then the sky is the limit for Indian cricket," the ex-Indian skipper added. The first Test of the bilateral series will be played at Centurion's SuperSport Park on Sunday.

https://www.timesnownews.com/sports...er-chance-of-winning-test-series-in-sa/842424
Click to expand...

Basically he saying all the stars have aligned for Ind.
 
The BCCI and Cricket South Africa have mutually agreed that the upcoming Test and ODI series between the two teams will continue even if there is an isolated case of COVID-19 among players or support staff and close contacts will not be forced into isolation, the host board’s medical officer Shuaib Manjra has said.

India will start their three-match Test series against the Proteas on December 26 at the Centurion followed by Tests in Johannesburg (January 3-7) and Cape Town (Jan 11-15).

The Tests will be followed by three ODIs on January 19, 21 and 23. While there is a specific agreement that BCCI can pull out of the tour in case situation in South Africa, where the new variant Omicron was found, gets worsened, a senior official said that they are not contemplating any pullout as of now.

“We have discussed and agreed a protocol with India. Considering that all those within the ecosystem will be vaccinated, the positive case will isolate within the hotel room if clinically stable,” Cricket South Africa provided Manjra’s comments to PTI.

“Contacts will continue playing and training with non-medical interventions strictly observed and tested daily,” he added.

It is understood that Rapid Antigen Tests will be carried out daily and both teams are ready for the eventuality that there will be positive cases. But as long as proper precautions are taken, the series will continue.

“The BCCI is very satisfied with the kind of bio-bubble that CSA has provided for the Indian team. Yes, we will definitely take a decision which is in best interests of our players and their families”.

“As of now, everyone is in the bubble and being tested regularly,” a senior BCCI official told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

“The bone of contention was what happens to close contacts. You can have one player or support staff testing positive but in earlier times, we have seen that close contacts, even if they return negative in RT-PCR, have to isolate themselves. When that happens, it becomes difficult to continue with the matches,” the official said.

The tour by India is very important for Cricket South Africa from a commercial rights point of view besides the massive broadcast rights money to be earned from the series.

In Centurion, the Indian team is staying in a resort with a lot of open spaces within the created bio-bubble so that players as well as their families are not confined to an enclosed space as it can happen in swanky five-star hotels.

The matches in this series will be played behind closed doors.

https://indianexpress.com/article/s...-officer-shuaib-manjra-on-india-tour-7685111/
 
Any idea which channel will show the games in UK? I don't see this either SKY's or BT's schedule.

ODIs (starting 19th Jan) are on SKYs schedule but not the test series. Very weird.
 
Rajdeep said:
Any idea which channel will show the games in UK? I don't see this either SKY's or BT's schedule.

ODIs (starting 19th Jan) are on SKYs schedule but not the test series. Very weird.
Click to expand...

It's being shown on Sky Cricket. The guide on sky's website also confirms that the Test is being broadcast from Sunday.
 
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