We take a look at some of the key battles to be expected in the clash between the Proteas and India at the Rose Bowl on Wednesday, writes KHALID MOHIDIN.
The Proteas take on India at the Rose Bowl on Wednesday. Expect a brawl for victory as the Proteas look to bounce back after two losses, and India aim to start their World Cup campaign with a victory in their opening match.
Faf du Plessis has been clear that his side went back to the drawing board after their 21-run defeat to Bangladesh. They can take some positives out of Sunday’s game that at least their batsmen were able to take them over the 300-run mark. However, they will need to convert their scores to milestones to pose a valid threat to a well-balanced India side brimming with quality.
The Proteas’ bowling has been a sore point. They conceded far too many runs in the opening overs against England and Bangladesh, and against Bangladesh they were horrid at the death. Ottis Gibson has placed emphasis on the Proteas bowlers trusting their natural strengths, rather than trying to adapt to the opposition. Their bowling woes have continued with Dale Steyn ruled out of the World Cup.
Five takeaways: Proteas vs Bangladesh
Faf du Plessis vs Virat Kohli
Captains, friends and foes. Both Kohli and Du Plessis are key and are majorly influential on the success of their teams. The respect between the two is second to none. Kohli even chose Du Plessis as the one player he would have in his side from a competing side.
Q: Which player from another team would you pick in your side? @imVkohli: Faf du Plessis!
The ?? captain explains why ? pic.twitter.com/MrGneDTccB
— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) May 24, 2019
Don’t take this gesture for granted, as this can only mean Kohli regards Du Plessis as a major threat, and with the Proteas captain being the bedrock of the batting lineup, he will need to be aware that India will be gunning for his wicket. The moves they make in the field, in particular, will be key to the outcome of the match, especially how both skippers manage their bowling.
READ: Three key Proteas players
Jasprit Bumrah vs Kagiso Rabada
Young, quick and lethal. These two speedsters are world superstars. Any team would crave to have them in their side, and they go up against each other on Wednesday. Bumrah is the No 1-ranked ODI bowler and has been phenomenal since his ODI debut in 2016. He’s played 49 matches, has 85 wickets at an average of 22.15 and an economy of 4.51. Rabada, although one year younger, has many more games under his belt. He has played 68 ODIs, has taken 108 wickets and averages 27.08 with an economy rate of 5.02. Both are playing in their first World Cup. With Rabada now loosened up after a rusty start, the battle will be intense between these two speedsters. Both have proven to be death-bowling specialists.
Predicting: Our experts back SA to win
Aiden Markram vs the spinners
Don’t be surprised if India opens with spin against the Proteas. Their spin duo had a lot of success in South Africa in 2018, with Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal sharing 33 wickets between them. Markram captained the Proteas during that 5-1 defeat to India in 2018, and will remember less than fondly how India’s spinners embarrassed them on their own turf while he was the stand-in captain. De Kock would have faced both spinners during the IPL, which bcame a championship-winning campaign for the wicketkeeper-batsman. Markram must lean on De Kock for insight if they do find themselves together at the crease.
Photo: Getty Images
