Top-spot pressure mounts over India

DURBAN: South Africa will be seeking to wrap up a series victory against India, the top-ranked side in Test cricket, in the second Test which starts at Kingsmead today.

Captain of the second-ranked team, Graeme Smith, said his players wanted to carry on the dominant form they showed in winning the first Test at Centurion by an innings and 25 runs. Smith and his side will also be eyeing the prospect of taking over the number one ranking if they win all three Tests against India.

“We’ve taken a few steps forward and India have probably got a few doubts,” said Smith. “When you have number one playing number two you have to be on top of things.”

With fast-bowlers Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel currently ranked first and third among the world’s best Test bowlers, the Proteas will be hoping for a significant advantage.

Meanwhile, Indian captain MS Dhoni admitted that India had performed below their best in the first Test, with the bowling a particular cause for concern. But he was confident the return of left-arm fast-bowler Zaheer Khan would make a significant difference to the attack. However, opener Gautam Gambhir’s injury in the knuckles of his left hand will keep the Indian team under pressure.

“Gautam has a bit of a niggle in his left hand,” revealed Dhoni.” He got hit in the last Test. We can only take a call once we receive the formal report from the physio. He batted today also, but he has a bit of swelling.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 26^th, 2010.