India vs South Africa live score, 3. Test Day 1: Kohli wins historical series; draw at 13:30 IST

Forecast

Patron Virat Kohli has recovered from a spasm in his upper back and will lead India in the decisive -1-1 draw after two tests- in the Freedom series, which starts here on Tuesday.

The weather forecast for the test is good. And it’s hard to equalize.

The Newlands pitch should push the bowling alley. It will be the movement and bounce of the seam.

Winning and eliminating the draw in the first session, putting in a total of over 300, and then putting pressure on the pitch as it bends is a viable trick to victory.

If India loses the draw and has to pitch, their pazes will have to be thrown into the right channels and discarded within South Africa 225.

Kohli stated that Mohammed Siraj, who was still recovering from a hamstring strain, would miss the third test.

India will have to choose between Ishant Sharma, which brings with it a line of sticks and a bounce, and Umesh Yadav, a faster and brighter ball with two-way movement.

Once again, a good start is essential for India, against an aggressive South African pace.

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It has a lot to do with the initial collaboration between KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal. If he put up a big podium as in the first test, with Kookaburra dismissing the initial ball threat, South Africa could be chasing the game instead of controlling it.

The confidence shown by Cheteshwar Pujarak and Ajinkya Rahan in the second inning of the Wanderers will be gratifying for India before the big match. Kohli will be itching to make a contribution. He has to be careful not to play catch-ups.

Kohli said the management of the Indian team had an interview with Rishabh Pant about the choice of stroke during training. India wants this southern bomb to fire, but it makes sense.

India has a fast-paced attack that could hurt the squad, but Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami will have to get their radar out well. Shardul Thakur is a delicate ball that bounces and moves.

R. Ashwin could have added one to the visitors’ lead if his free kick had gone just a little lower. It also gives depth to one.

The inspiring South African skipper, left-winger Dean Elgar, will be an obstacle for Indian bowlers.

And Aidem Markram, a credible shooter, is finding some form. There is, finally, a form of a Protea. Keegan Petersen is a compact and attractive batsman at No. 3. Rassie van der Dussen is a batsman who has two shots on goal.

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Little Temba Bavuma is an effective striker for the ball with fair defense. And batsman Kyle Verreynne has decent technique.

South Africa is unlikely to make any changes, so responsibility will be among the top six.

And then there’s the four-rhythm attack by Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen and Duanne Olivier. They are able to make their way in, and the enemy Rabada has recovered his mojo.

In the face of such high pressure, the team that makes the fewest mistakes has been on the day.

Can Table Mountain, the fascinating backdrop of the Newlands land, inspire Indians to conquer the summit?

– S. Dinakar

LOTUTA

11. ANNOUNCED:

INDIA: KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (c), Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant (wk), Shardul Thakur, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma.

SOUTH AFRICA: Dean Elgar (c), Aiden Markram, Keegan Petersen, Rassie van der Dussen, Temba Bavuma, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Duanne Olivier, Lungi Ngidi.

GANGS

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