'Seven wickets on first day, 30-plus wickets for pacers' - Aakash Chopra reveals his predictions ahead of second South Africa-India Test

After a brilliant performance in Centurion in the Boxing day Test, India will be eager to seal the series with another win at the Wanderers in Johannesburg. The spinners did not have much of a say in the first Test and the same theory is set to continue in the second Test as well. Both teams might be tempted to go in with five quicks theory with one all-rounder included.

South Africa has already faced a major setback with the sudden retirement of Quinton de Kock and Kyle Verreynne is set to come into the equation. India is unlikely to make any changes as their bowling department fired on all cylinders, while they would like more contribution from the much-talked about middle order.

Aakash Chopra, as always, had his predictions cut and clear for the second Test on his Youtube Channel. He analysed various aspects including the toss factor and the pitch behaviors.

It is slightly difficult on the first day, feels Aakash Chopra

Chopra was confident that the first day could be a paradise for the bowling team but was confused about the toss. He even compared the pitch of both Tests and felt that Centurion was more of a batting first pitch than Wanderers. Virat Kohli made a bold decision in the first Test to win the toss and bat first, which in fact worked in India’s favor.

“Seven or more wickets will fall on the first day itself. The question will be there on what the captain should do after winning the toss. Batting first is always a great theory. You need to do a little walk the talk as it is slightly difficult on the first day, but Centurion also showed that if you play well, then bat first after winning the toss, you will be saved. The chase does not happen in the end; the wicket starts becoming up and down.”

Aakash Chopra also reckoned that the fast bowlers will dominate the entire second Test with most wickets falling in their column. He recognised the quickness of the pitch and predicted a batter to succumb to short ball theory.

“40 wickets will fall in this match, and in that, I feel fast bowlers will take 35 wickets. 30-plus wickets for fast bowlers. Spinners will not be of any use here. One batter to be dismissed off a bouncer because it is a very fast pitch. Whether it is ours or theirs, one batter will be caught either in the deep or by the keeper or short-leg, somewhere or the other.”

Rain is expected to make its presence on day one of the second Test, which might hamper India’s plans of winning their first Test series in South Africa.