Ind vs SA, 2nd Test: Visitors at home in Bengaluru
After the spin show in Mohali, action now shifts to Bengaluru for the second Test of the four-match series. The series opener was done and dusted inside three days, and going by the past results at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, a result is on the cards.
Out of the 20 Tests played at the venue, 12 have produced results. Interestingly, visiting teams have won six of these contests. Bengaluru has turned out to be a happy hunting ground for the visitors. May it be Michael Clarke’s hundred on debut or Inzamam-ul-Haq’s ton in his 100th Test, away teams have had their moments at the venue in the last decade.
India last played a Test here against New Zealand in 2012 and one against Australia in 2010. A quick look at the scorecards reveals that the hosts have relied on their spinners while visiting team’s seamers have enjoyed success.
Trend of visiting teams and the present conditions in Bengaluru – slightly overcast with touch of chilliness – South Africa would find the venue ideal for the kind of bowlers they have in their ranks. While Vernon Philander’s injury comes as a setback, the likes of Steyn and Rabada would be itching to run in hard, provided the conditions remain the same for the next 2-3 days.
Result apart, the venue has witnessed contests with big wins, two of them by an innings. This venue is a favourite for both AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli, who play for RCB in the Indian Premier League.
These days India’s success, however, is not dependent on how many times batsmen woo the crowd but how Ashwin operates with the ball. With a five-wicket haul the last time he played here, Ashwin would like to continue from where he left in Mohali. With the build-up shifting from spinners to seamers, Ashwin wouldn’t mind being the dark horse and deliver the goods. Combination remains an interesting choice, read what it’s expected to be
