India have taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match Test series against South Africa. Virat Kohli and Co. won the first Test by 113 runs at the SuperSport Park in Centurion.
SA vs IND: Match Preview, India vs South Africa 2021-22, 2nd Test
India:
India were nothing short of outstanding in the first Test. Despite the rain interrupting the play on several occasions, India managed to win the first Test by a big margin of 113 runs in the end. The KL Rahul-Mayank Agarwal set the tone for the win.
The duo stitched a 117-run partnership for the opening wicket and it eventually turned out to be the difference in the game.
India’s overall batting performance didn’t inspire a lot of confidence but their bowling did. The dreadful trio of Siraj, Shami, and Burmrah were once again outstanding with the ball. Mohammed Shami picked a five-wicket haul in the first innings, while Bumrah and Siraj picked 5 and 3 wickets respectively in the match.
South Africa:
South Africa would be disappointed with their performance in the first Test. The bowlers didn’t bowl too well on the first day of the Test. They allowed KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal to stitch a hundred run opening partnership.
The South African batsmen need to bat really well against a solid Indian bowling unit if they want to win the Second Test in Johannesburg. Sadly, Quinton de Kock has announced his retirement from Test Cricket and this only adds more worry for them.
Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi picked 7 and 8 wickets respectively in the first Test. Both of them will, once again, be integral to South Africa’s fortune in the next Test.
