South Africa vs India, 2nd Test- South Africa Predicted XI

The South African team has got the exact start that they wanted. Securing a win over the numero uno Test team India in Cape Town provided them a major boost. And the Faf du Plessis’ led squad will aim to do an encore in Centurion and seal the three-match Test series in style.

However, marquee pacer Dale Steyn who made a comeback after almost a year succumbed to an ankle injury and will sit out for the remainder of the Test series. He had an awkward land in a foothole while bowling on Day 2 of the first Test. The pace attack looks solid with the likes of Vernon Philander, Morne Morkel, Kagiso Rabada and Chris Morris or Lungi Ngidi whoever replaces Steyn.

The SuperSport Park stadium is also expected to offer more bounce than the one in Newlands. It will give the South African quicks yet another chance to run through the Indian batting lineup and decimate it just like they did in Cape Town.

The Protea team management will try to get their combination right, especially with Steyn leaving behind a huge void. In this article, we take a look at their Predicted XI in the opening Test.

Openers (Dean Elgar, Aiden Markram)

Both the openers will have work to do and contribute crucial runs at the top to provide a platform from where the team can go and build a good total. Elgar and Markram were a no-show with the bat in the first innings but made up with scores of 24 & 34 respectively in the second. The duo should try and get a strong opening partnership and their stand will be clinical to determine South Africa’s chances in the match

Middle order (Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers, Faf du Plessis (C), Quinton de Kock (wk))

The South African middle-order features some of the best in the business and forms the backbone of the team. With the likes of Amla, skipper du Plessis, and de Villiers, the Indian bowlers will face an uphill task if they can’t dismiss the triad as quickly possible.

While ABD and Du Plessis looked in control despite minor hiccups, Amla’s form looks to be a pressing issue. The right-hander was restricted to single digit scores in both outings and Amla will look to break the jinx and get on the leaderboard.

 All-rounders (Vernon Philander)

Philander was crowned Man of the Match in the first Test after a 9-wicket streak. He claimed 3 in the first innings while the remaining 6 in the second to guide South Africa to a comfortable 72 runs victory. Philander also came in handy with the willow playing a crucial cameo of 23 to add to Proteas second innings total.

Bowlers (Kagiso Rabada, Morne Morkel, Lungi Ngidi Keshav Maharaj)

The wicket at the SuperSport Park is expected to be favouring the fast bowlers. It will have enough pace, bounce, and movement than the one at Newlands. The team management is confident of fielding four quicks and a towering Lungi Ngidi has been dubbed as the favourite.

With 57 wickets in 11 Tests, Rabada has rattled the best of batsmen with his pace and swing. The fast-bowler hasn’t gone wicket-less in any innings he has bowled- a testament to his impressive form.

Morne Morkel has also been a stalwart for South Africa in the bowling department for many years. The lanky pacer looks to be in good form and displayed rhythm in his bowling in the previous encounter