After an emphatic win in Mohali, India will be looking to secure at least a share of the spoils when they take on South Africa in the second Test in Bangalore which begins on Saturday.
South Africa will be looking to preserve a hefty unbeaten run in series over the final three matches and if they are to have any chance of actually winning the series they will need to avoid defeat at the Chinnaswamy.
South Africa’s bid to level the series at the first opportunity won’t be helped by a number of key injuries they have sustained. Dale Steyn has been ruled out of this match while Vernon Philander is on his way home having damaged ankle ligaments.
India looked set to struggle in the first Test when they were castled for 201 on the opening day but it soon became apparent that their spinners would wrestle the control back. In an ideal world they will bat better here but you feel the rest of this series is all about their bowlers.
Ishant Sharma was banned for the first game but he returns from that suspension here and is likely to take Varun Aaron’s place in the side. Rohit Sharma could come into the team if India want extra batting depth but on this ground that could be unlikely.
South Africa will probably be pleased with the way they bowled in the first match, especially as they had to do without Dale Steyn in the second innings but they need their big players with the bat to stand up and be counted. AB de Villiers plays his 100th Test here which is fitting as he plays for the local IPL side on this ground.
While the injuries to Steyn and Philander aren’t ideal they will at least be able to welcome Morne Morkel and JP Duminy back for this match. Kyle Abbott has been sent an SOS and is on his way to India to pep up the bowling attack. Duminy’s return will ensure a better balance to South Africa.
This second Test will be held at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore. Anyone who has watched the IPL will know this is a small ground at altitude so the ball travels a bit quicker which might keep South Africa interested.
There have been 20 previous matches on this ground and India have won just six of them. They’ve also lost six and drawn eight so it isn’t their best ground it must be said. South Africa won their only game here in 2000 which could also be significant.
India made no secret of the fact that they are looking to make the most of home advantage in this series and as a result we saw a Bunsen burner of a track in Mohali. There has been plenty of rain in the Bangalore area in the lead up to this match though so this one might not turn as much as India would like.
In truth there are a few too many doubts for me to go big on this match not least the dodgy forecast for the middle three days but I’d rather see the team line ups and the toss and how the wicket plays before getting too involved.
There is one I like though first up and that is for Chesteshwar Pujara to beat Virat Kohli in the first innings. Pujara is a wonderful Test batsman and outscored his captain in both innings in Mohali. There might be a little extra pressure on Kohli to perform on his home IPL ground but there is pressure anyway as he has only passed 50 once in his last seven innings.
I fancy he’ll need to come close to 50 if not go past it to trouble Pujara here and current form suggests he isn’t going to do that so I’m happy to take Pujara in that match bet.
The other bet I’m going with is a continuation from one of my series bets with Ravi Jadeja to continue his good form and be India’s leading bowler in the first innings. This wicket might not turn as much as the Mohali one did but Jadeja’s angle means he can target the pads if it doesn’t turn. If he gets turn the outside edge is in trouble so I like him again here.
Back C.Pujara to beat V.Kohli (1st Inns) for a 4/10 stake at 1.91 with William Hill
Back R.Jadeja Top India 1st Inns Bowler for a 2/10 stake at 4.33 with Skybet
