April 18, 2026

The Third Test: Will India Make History?

By Slogger
First publised on 2022-01-11 06:10:19

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Holding an extreme view and carting the ball out of the park is what interests him most. He is a hard hitter at all times. Fasten your seatbelts and read.

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As India gets ready to take on South Africa in the third Test today, it is eyeing its first Test series win in that country. The series so far has seen ups and downs in the fortunes of both teams. South Africa were totally outplayed in the first Test despite India's batting failures due to the excellence of the bowlers of the visiting team. The South African batters could not handle India's pace battery. But in the second Test, discipline and application by the batters, coupled with an off day for Indian bowlers turned the tables.

For the Indians, Virat Kolhi is fully fit and is raring to go. He is obviously looking to add another feather to his excellent captaincy record by winning this Test. The good thing for India in the second Test was that Pujara and Rahane came good after a long time. But this also means that Hanuma Vihari, who played with a lot of application, will have to make way for Kohli. With Md. Siraj injured, Ishant Sharma is likely to be inducted in the playing eleven. Rishabh Pant might get another chance despite his repeated batting failures, or Wriddhiman Saha might get a look in at the last moment.

The bottom line is that the Indians will have to bat well to put enough runs on the board in order to let their bowlers have a go at the South Africans. With their win in the second Test, the largely inexperienced South African side is up on confidence. They know that India has problems in the middle order and they will go after Pujara, Rahane and Pant. This has something India has to sort out if they want to win the Test and create history.