5 Decisions South Africa Need to Make to Challenge India
The second Test between hosts India and South Africa in Bangalore ended with only one day’s play having been possible. Rain hampered the rest of the Test, and the visitors now have a tough time ahead to get back in this series.
South Africa were already 0-1 down heading into this match and were staring down the barrel when rain spoiled the party. Perhaps they will be quietly pleased with having lost so much of the Test to weather.
Not only has it given their players some time to rest, but it has also offered some time for introspection. The third Test begins in a week, and South Africa have a few tough decisions to make before then.
The Balance of the Bowling Lineup
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In the first Test, South Africa opted for two spinners and three quicks. The second saw them opt for their more usual three quicks and one spinner. In the second Test, they didn’t have much of a choice in how to jiggle their bowlers.
Vernon Philander and Dale Steyn were both out with injury, so their quicks came from the lineup that was fit. Steyn should have recovered by the third Test, and South Africa will have to make a call on the best balance of their attack.
The choice is a toss-up between young Kagiso Rabada and Kyle Abbott. Both are good bowlers and both can bowl fast. Rabada is arguably more aggressive and consistently quicker, while Abbott offers a more seam-friendly option.
The Best Spinner
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Keeping with the balance of the bowling attack, South Africa will also have to decide who their best spin-bowling option is—if they only go for one spinner. Imran Tahir was handed the reins in the second Test, but he didn't look overly convincing in the first.
Tahir is still guilty of trying too many things in one over. Now that India’s batsmen have settled against South Africa, they need a spinner who can dry up one end.
Tahir fails to consistently bowl a stock delivery to dry up the runs. The two other spinners in the squad are Simon Harmer and Dane Piedt. Both are inexperienced, but they are far more consistent at keeping things tidy.
Can Anything Be Done About the Opening Partnership?
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Dean Elgar and Stiaan van Zyl are still a new opening partnership. They have not done terribly, but Van Zyl has looked unsettled at times. The combination of having two left-handers at the top of the order also makes it far easier for India’s bowlers.
There is no other “true” opener in the side, but South Africa are not without options. AB de Villiers has opened in limited-overs cricket, as has Hashim Amla (more on him later).
It would be harsh to shuffle Van Zyl up and down the order before he has had any real time to settle into his role, but as things stand, South Africa need to do everything to try to get back into this series.
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Hashim Amla and Faf Du Plessis' Best Batting Positions
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Speaking of batsmen that look out of sorts, Faf du Plessis has looked a little bit unsettled in the Tests.
He had a more than decent limited-overs series, but he has been bogged down and stuck against spin in the Tests. Batting at four, Amla hasn’t looked much better. In Amla's 18 Tests at four, he has averaged just 40.90, significantly lower than the 56.40 he averaged at three. He also scored his unbeaten 311 batting at three.
Offering an “anchor” role is a useful option for Amla, and switching him back there will prop up the opening pair if they continue to wobble.
Du Plessis has not played more than 10 Tests in any position, but his average at six (67.57) is significantly higher than at any other position. Shuffling the order might not be the worst option.
Deciding Whether Dane Vilas Really Is the Best Wicketkeeping Option
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Why South Africa did not include Quinton de Kock in the Test squad after he returned to form only they will know.
De Kock's solid series in the one-dayers against India made up for his failures in Bangladesh pretty quickly. Dane Vilas is inexperienced at international level and has looked uncomfortable both behind the stumps and with the bat at this level. If South Africa want to win, they need to have a strong batting lineup and, at the moment, Vilas looks like a big weak spot.
The only other current option is to ask AB de Villiers to take over the gloves temporarily (something he has said on a few occasions he does not want to do). Dropping Vilas and strengthening the batting with a player like Temba Bavuma could give South Africa some impetus lower down the order.
All information in this piece was obtained firsthand.
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