5 Ways in which South Africa can make a comeback in the Test series

5 Ways in which South Africa can make a comeback in the Test series: South Africa has so far had a good tour. They completely cornered India in the ODI and T20I contests and did not give any chance to go ahead of them. However, the tables have turned now as the Proteas are now completely struggling in the Test series. As compared to the limited overs format, South Africa has performed in a complete contrast in the Tests. They look completely disorganized. South Africa lost the first match at Mohali without putting up any fight, losing it by 108 runs.

The second Test match at Bengaluru was washed out due to rain. However, there are still two Test matches left in the series and South Africa still have a very good chance to make a comeback in the Test series and surprise India. Their players have the ability and talent to perform well in India. But, there are some major problems which South Africa needs to sort out before they come out to the field at Nagpur to play the third Test.

Here are the 5 Ways in which South Africa can make a comeback in the Test series:

1.  Openers need to show resistance against Indian spinners:

Dean Elgar and Stiaan van Zyl are the new opening pair for South Africa in Tests. Both Elgar and van Zyl have shown little resistance against the Indian spinners. They have still not found their rhythm and have struggled to score freely against the Indian spinners. It was evident in the first two Tests that both of them have lacked the ability to negotiate the turning ball. Elgar has been below average and van Zyl has been a complete disappointment. Scores of 5, 36, and 10 by van Zyl are very unimpressive as a batsman opening the innings for a team which is known as a good touring side. With both being left-handers, the key to their success lies in countering Ravichandran Ashwin who has been their nemesis in the Test series so far. He has made life tough for both of them, especially van Zyl who has lost his wicket to Ashwin each and every time he has come out to bat. Patience is the key while batting against such quality spinners and the South African openers have totally lacked it. Consuming time at the crease and not hurrying to score runs can be one option they can opt. There are highly talented batsmen after them in the batting line-up. Therefore, they have zero reasons to worry about run scoring. A good opening partnership is always an advantage over the bowling team and they must bear this fact in mind.

2. Middle order needs to perform:

Strangely, South Africa’s middle order has failed to live up their reputation. Faf du Plessis could not reach double figures in the first two matches. Scores of 0, 1 and 0 are very disappointing. Du Plessis needs to push the pedal as his performances will be very vital from South Africa’s point of view. Another major problem has been wicket keeper batsman Dane Vilas. He, too, has been below par having scored just 23 runs in three innings. The core of the Proteas batting line-up must re-organize themselves to ensure success. JP Duminy, who came back after recovering from injury played in the 2nd Test also failed to create any impact. The openers have looked vulnerable. Therefore, a firm middle order can lower the risk of a batting collapse. Faf du Plessis, JP Duminy, and Dane Vilas have to raise their games if South Africa aims to challenge India in the third Test.

As far as the positives in the batting line up are concerned, only AB de Villiers has been the better one among all others. He needs to carry forward his good rhythm to the third Test to enable South Africa gain an upper hand over India and equal the series.

3. Include two spinners:

The second Test match was completely washed out. But, there was one change made in the South African line-up which was unnecessary, it was resting Simon Harmer. Harmer did considerably well in the first Test picking up 4 wickets in the second innings. He along with Imran Tahir (4/48) brought back life into the South African challenge. Resting him for the second Test was not an appropriate judgment at all. Also, Indian batsmen have been more vulnerable to quality spinners in the past few years. Therefore, two frontline spinners along with JP Duminy would be a better and an effective combination in the Indian conditions which suits spin bowling rather than to play only one frontline spinner with a part-timer to rely on. This strategy will surely add strength to the bowling attack.

4. Hashim Amla and his batting form:

Hashim Amla possesses the technique and temperament to thrive in Indian conditions. However, he has strangely failed to perform thus far on the tour. The Indian spinners got better of him both the times in the first Test. A combined numbers of 50 runs in 3 innings are highly unimpressive for a batsman of his caliber. Amla does not lack the experience of these conditions. Everyone remembers the solid double century (South Africa won the match by an innings and six runs) and the two back to back centuries he hit the last time he toured India. He must find his confidence back as South Africa needs their run-machine to score heavy in order to make a comeback in the series. His success with the bat will also bring positivity and infuse confidence in the middle order which is also struggling. Being the number three batsman playing in a batting line-up with under-performing openers adds more responsibility on him. Amla should lead the way from the front and show his fellow teammates how to bat against spinners on assisting wickets.

5. Fast bowling woes:

Traditionally, South Africa’s strength has been its fast bowling. However, in this series, fitness concerns of their fast bowlers has become a headache for the team management. Proteas have been very unfortunate as their premier fast bowlers have struggled with injuries. Dale Steyn suffered a groin strain in the first Test and failed to recover for the Bangalore Test and isn’t 100% till today which makes him doubtful for the third Test as well. Vernon Philander was ruled out from the series after a freakish accident during the warm-up session just before the Bangalore Test. The fast bowling unit does not look very effective in their absence. Steyn and Philander along with Morne Morkel would have added the desired firepower to the bowling attack. Kyle Abbott and Kagiso Rabada are inexperienced in the Test arena. Rabada, who had an outstanding ODI series was nullified by the Indian batsmen in the first Test while Kyle Abbott has not been tested yet properly in India.