Proteas are eager to wrap-up the series in Durban, tough times ahead for India

Proteas are  upbeat after victory in the first test match at Super Sports Park, Centurion and will be eager to wrap-up the series in the second test match starting on Boxing Day at Kingsmead, Durban. Greame Smith already warned Team India that it will be tough for them to make a come-back in the series. Pitch at Kingsmead is also supporting the claims of Greame Smith. There is no difference in look of pitch and outfield, it is that green. Durban pitch is one of the fastest and bounciest pitch in the world and with grass on it, will make this pitch even more dangerous, so it will be difficult for Indian batsmen to play on such bouncy and moving pitch. Indian batsmen already found vulnerable on little less dangerous pitch at Centurion in first test match of the series and got out cheaply. So fans can imagine what will happen to Indian batsmen when they will bat on Durban pitch which is much more dangerous than Centurion. Another thing which supports Smith's claim is form of the South African batsmen. Kallis, Amla , AB Devilliers, Peterson are in good form and Smith is also performing well with the bat and they are well supported by their bowling and fielding. Steyn and Morkel are very dangerous bowlers on bouncy and seaming pitches as we all witnessed their skills in Centurion.

However, Team India can do better at Durban if MS Dhoni wins the toss and field first but that is unlikely to happen because record of MS Dhoni is very poor with the toss and this time also he will going to lose the toss and that is sure. India also have another big headache in Hashim Amla. If  India wants to win second test match then they have to tame Amla from scoring big runs. Hashim Amla loves to bat against India and already struck 4 centuries against India this year and Team India failed to get him out on most occasions. Looking at Indian batting Dravid and Laxman have to perform at any cost and Team India have to drop Raina after his poor show with bat in last 5 test matches he played. Zaheer Khan will boost the Indian bowling but he needs support from other end. If Zaheer gets the support then India have small chance otherwise Proteas will going to win this test match as well and wrap-up the series. I feel India should go in with 5 bowlers. Umesh Yadav is one bowler who is very quick and sharp compared to other Indian bowlers. So in my opinion India have to drop Raina and replace him with Umesh Yadav instead of Cheteshwar Pujara because India is already having seven batsmen in their line-up and their seventh batsmen is Harbhajan Singh who is performing more with the bat and less with the ball nowadays.

I must say another series loss in South Africa is on cards and I am very sure that Proteas will wrap-up the series at Durban because Indian batsmen and bowlers are already on back-foot after their loss at Centurion. Pressure is immense on Team India.