India opt to bat against South Africa in Third Test

Morkel said that while it was pleasing to see Steyn bowling today in the nets, his progress would be monitored and a final call on including him will be taken on the opening day morning of the third Test at the VCA Stadium in Jamtha. After a string of low scores, he hit a fluent 45*, including seven fours, in India’s 80 for no loss in reply to the visitors’ paltry 214 in the rained-out Bengaluru Test.

The first innings of India was dismissed on a mere total of 215 in 78.2 overs. “The toughest task is to set up a test match and we had done that”. “I don’t know the batting is a worry for us because everybody is one match away from a big knock and this match may be the one”.

“We are 1-0 down so it is certainly a must-win match for us to stay in the series (with just one additional Test to play in Delhi)”. When we go out to bat we have our plans and they are also putting huge pressure. # Since posting 126 vs Sri Lanka at Colombo (PSS) in August 2015, Ajinkya Rahane has lost form in Tests, scoring 8 & 4 vs Sri Lanka at Colombo (SSC); 15 & 2 at Mohali and 13 at Nagpur in the current series vs South Africa. It does allow us to play with risk, but that is the mentality that we came here with, we came here to win the series.

After grey, blustery and mostly cricket-free Bangalore, the teams have moved to the geometric centre of India and the promise of a Test match free of interruptions under clear, cloudless skies.

“I’m delighted Ashwin is in our team along with (legspinner) Amit Mishra, who brings a lot of variation for us and Jadeja, who is very, very consistent”.

But the hosts did not have to wait too long to pick up the first wicket, Ashwin the successful bowler as Van Zyl sent a thick outside edge to Rahane at first slip without troubling the scorers.

Before travelling to Nagpur and after Steyn had already had over a week’s rehabilitation, Russell Domingo said South Africa only had “three fit seamers” and Steyn was not one of them. Though the effects of India being 1-0 up can not have dissipated entirely, there is a blank-slate feeling to the start of the third Test. Let the series begin, again.

Steyn has been battling with a groin injury he picked up during the first Test against the Indians in Mohali, which resulted in him being unable to bowl in the second innings after sending down 11 overs in the first.

South Africa replaced pace bowler Kyle Abbott with offspinner Simon Harmer.

Morkel was candid when he spoke about the challenges faced by his team’s bowlers on Indian tracks.

“Whether we batted or bowled first, we got to have a good day”.

He went onto say that playing spin their mentality could should have been a bit more positive but that is what they have been working on in preparation for the Test in Nagpur. The best way to watch the third of four Test matches on the India vs. South Africa cricket tour online in the United States is through Willow TV, which is available via this YouTube link with a monthly subscription fee, as well as on Willow TV’s own site, accessible by clicking here.