Legendary Indian expert Sunil Gavaskar has predicted that India will win the ongoing second Test match against South Africa at Newlands, Cape Town. At the close of opening day’s play, South Africa were 62-3 in the second innings, trailing India by 36 runs.
The Proteas were skittled out for their lowest Test score of 55 runs since readmission after Mohammed Siraj bagged a six-wicket haul (6-15 in 9 overs).
Gavaskar feels South Africa doesn’t have batters who can score 150-200 runs in their second innings and thus India will be in the driving seat to level the series.
Sunil Gavaskar said on Star Sports, “Three wickets have already fallen. India are still in the lead. So I don’t think this match can go out of India’s grasp. Yes, it might not be an innings victory.”
The former India captain added: “They (India) might have to bat a little but I don’t think South Africa have batters who can score 150-200 runs and trouble the Indian team a little.”
On the other hand, former South African fast bowler Vernon Philander feels Dean Elgar decided to bat first after winning the toss because of sunny conditions.
“It’s always a tricky one. Dean Elgar based his decision merely on overhead conditions. I think it was blistering hot conditions this morning and often when the sun is out in Newlands, you want to bat. Of course, the surface has shown us otherwise.”
Philander added that Day 2 could prove to be interesting if the Proteas get a lead of more than 100 runs.
“For me personally, I feel South Africa get 80 to 100 runs ahead, they are still not out of the game. I don’t think this wicket is going to get easier. I think it’s going to get quicker with the sun and, of course, with a couple of heavier rollers. It might just leave us with an interesting Day 2.”
Meanwhile, India could have been in a more dominating position but they lost their last six wickets without adding a single run to the board as they were bundled out for 153.
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