The critical second Test in Guwahati is a must-win for India against South Africa, the current World Test Champions. Following their first Test victory in Kolkata, South Africa aims to secure their maiden Test series triumph in India after 25 years. The inaugural Test in Guwahati has showcased a compelling contest.
After South Africa amassed 247 runs on day one, India’s assistant coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, is prioritizing a potent bowling display for day two. His focus is on quickly dismissing the remaining South African batsmen. “Every run is going to be important,” ten Doeschate stated in a press conference, emphasizing the significance of the wicket of Tony De Zorzi. He added, “It’s a big difference coming in tomorrow and needing four wickets compared to five.”
Kuldeep Yadav was India’s standout bowler, claiming three of the six wickets to fall on day one, providing essential breakthroughs including Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs. Ten Doeschate lauded Kuldeep’s consistent wicket-taking ability and impressive strike rate. He suggested that Kuldeep’s unique delivery, characterized by ‘overspin,’ combined with the characteristics of the red soil and the wicket’s pace, made him particularly effective. “Maybe he was slightly more effective in the conditions today,” he mused, while also noting that finger spinners may come into play later in the match. Kuldeep’s early success is seen as a significant advantage for India’s game plan.
South African batsmen will regret not converting their promising starts into substantial scores. Openers Ryan Rickelton and Aiden Markram were dismissed in the thirties, and both Tristan Stubbs and Temba Bavuma fell just short of half-centuries at 49 and 41 respectively. Ten Doeschate highlighted the Indian bowlers’ discipline in preventing any single batter from dominating. He believes this collective effort to deny big scores is a key point of difference for India.
Ten Doeschate also addressed India’s standing in the ICC World Test Championship. He stressed the imperative of maximizing points in home series, particularly with challenging away tours to Sri Lanka and New Zealand scheduled. “If you do the math, your home series are really important,” he affirmed, suggesting that approximately 60% of points are likely needed for WTC final qualification, making home series victories crucial.
