5 critical factors that will help South Africa beat India

South Africa has always been one of the strongest Test teams around. To highlight this, since 2015, South Africa has had impressive wins against just about everyone, including overseas wins against Australia and New Zealand.

Their record over their last 10 Test series reads 6 wins, 3 losses and 1 draw. One of those losses however came against India. Not only did India beat South Africa, but they won comprehensively by beating them 3-0 in a four Test match series. It can therefore be argued as to who begins as favourites for the upcoming series. However if they are to successfully win another home Test series the following needs to go right for them.

Kagiso Rabada has to lead the attack

In the 2015 tour of India Rabada was relatively new to Test cricket and did not have a memorable test series.

However, with 57 wickets at an average of 20.28 in 2017, Rabada has clearly emerged as one of the best test bowlers since then. His accomplishments in 2017 have him currently ranked no. 2 in the ICC player rankings.

On quick seamer-friendly South Africa pitches, Rabada needs to not only continue his excellent form but also lead the strong South African bowling unit. With Rabada’s sheer pace and attacking style of bowling he is a key factor for South Africa if they are to beat India.

Dean Elgar, Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock

Aiden Markram will be crucial opening the batting for South Africa

Whilst the headlines and tabloids will undoubtedly feature the likes of Amla, du Plessis and the return of AB de Villiers, the contributions of the opening pair of Dean Elgar and Aiden Markram as well as de Kock may well swing this series South Africa’s way.

Elgar had a career year in 2017, averaging 53.71 in comparison to 2016 where he averaged 31, while inexperienced Markram is an incredible talent and could provide South Africa with the unknown X factor.

Quinton de Kock has been shuffled around the batting lineup of late, but his record against India in the shorter format (66 in 11 matches) is an indication he takes a liking against the Indian bowling attack. If these three players add to what we already expect from Amla, du Plessis and AB, India will have a hard time in this series.

The impact of Vernon Philander

Vernon Philander provides South Africa with versatility and balance

In regard to the South African bowling unit, Rabada is the leader. However, the versatility and experience Philander offers creates the balance which could put South Africa ahead in this series. Aside from his bowling, Philander has also made himself into a steady all-rounder currently ranked number 5 in the ICC player rankings.

He can impact the game with his long steady spells where he extracts more from the pitch and conditions then anyone else.

However, the biggest concern for Philander is not to do with his bowling - it is whether he is able to play the entire series without facing injury. If Philander is fit and bowling to his potential, along with Rabada and Styen or Morkel, the South African bowling unit is just that much stronger.

The return of the legends

Dale Steyn can come back and take the Indian line up apart

There are few players in today’s game who can be mentioned in the same sentence as Glenn McGrath, Curtley Ambrose or Waqar Younis.

One of them however, is Dale Steyn. With a surreal average of 22 after 85 test matches, 26 five wicket hauls and 9 Man of the Match awards, Dale Steyn will go down as a legend of the game. AB De Villiers is one of the most talented and innovative Test batsmen and averages more than 50 after over 100 test matches.

However despite their iconic statistics, both players have been absent for a time, and are no longer a regular feature in the Test team.

South Africa has proven to be successful without the two with impressive overseas victories against Australia and New Zealand along with a number of wins at home. However if Steyn and De Villiers impact the game like they have throughout their careers, a victory will seem all the more likely.

Pitch conditions

South Africa will be hoping for bouncy wickets

Traditionally, South Africa has prepared seam friendly wickets with plenty of movement and especially bounce to suit their bowling style. India on the other hand have always preferred wickets which give spin bowlers more assistance.

With news that the first Test taking place in Newlands may not be a hard bouncy track as South Africa would have preferred, South Africa will need to put to in their best efforts to prepare pitches to assist there team as an entire unit. Preparing pitches to best suit the South African bowling attack is another key factor which can help to ensure a series victory against India.