Can South Africa Prevent India From Creating History In Third Test?
India went into the Wanderers test 1-0 and had South Africa under much pressure. India had the opportunity to win the second test out of the three-match test series and create history by winning their first overseas test series in South Africa.
They were the betting favorite going into the second test after they trounced the Proteas in the first. However, things started going South Africa’s way even before the toss, and Indian captain Virat Kohli had to withdraw after suffering a back spasm at the last minute. His absence as a leader and their best batsman was clearly felt as the Proteas defied the underdog tag and ended up winning the second test by 7 wickets to tie the series 1-1.
Cape Town Test – Series Decider
The third and final tests will occur in Newlands, Cape Town, from Jan 11 to 15. The Proteas are again entering a home test as betting underdogs and have odds of 7/4, while India continues to be the favorites even after being beaten in the second test. India has odds of 11/10, while the odds of this game ending in a draw are currently at 15/4.
There is a bit of rain predicted for the first day of the test, but overall, the weather looks good for test match cricket for all 5 days. Given that there have been results at Newlands since 2017, we expect this test to end in a result.
Will the Proteas be able to stop India from creating history and winning their first test series, or will India be able to bounce back after their 7 wicket defeat and start 2022 with a great series victory?
India Must Get Playing XI Right To Win
If you think of putting your money on India, you need to pay careful attention to their playing XI. Our experts believe that India won the first test because they got their playing XI right and lost the second test because they got their playing XI wrong.
After losing Kohli suddenly, India was a bit unsettled and decided to replace him with H Vihari, which backfired as the batting was too weak. In retrospect, they should have played the talented S Iyer, who would have been an ideal replacement for Kohli.
Virat Kohli is expected to return at Cape Town, which will strengthen India’s chances of winning, even though Kohli has had a rough patch with the bat. His class and quality cannot be doubted, and there’s no better man to lead India when you have an overseas test series on the line!
M Siraj suffered an injury in the second test, which prevented him from bowling at his best. The selectors need to decide between I Sharma and U Yadav to see who will replace him at Cape Town. We think I Sharma should get the nod because of his experience and ability to trouble left-handers.
South Africa Should Retain Playing XI
South Africans are likely to retain their playing XI as they did a great job at the Wanderers. The pace bowlers were terrific, and they will have to put in another big effort at Cape Town if the Proteas are going to win.
They will depend heavily on their captain D Elgar who led from the front in the second test and took the Proteas home. Will he be able to put in another good performance with the bat? Will the middle-order be able to make runs when they matter? Will the young South Africans perform under pressure, or will they wilt?
These are some of the questions that bettors need to ask themselves if they are looking at betting on South Africa.
Take Advantage Of In-Play Betting
We believe the toss will play a crucial factor in deciding the outcome of the test. The side that wins the toss is likely to bowl first, given the weather for the first day. The extra cloud and threat of rain will make it difficult to bat on the first day.
This is why our experts think that punters should take advantage of in-play or live betting if they don’t want to take too much of a risk on betting on the third test. Have a look at the playing XI for both sides, see who wins the toss and whether they opt to bowl first or bat first.
If India ends up bowling first, we suggest putting your money on team India. However, if the Proteas win the toss and put India in to bat, we think you should put your money on South Africa winning the test series!
