SA vs IND 2018, 2nd Test: South Africa's Predicted XI

After a thumping win in the 1st Test by 72 runs, host South Africa will be keen to seal the series in the second game.

The second Test will start from Saturday in Centurion. With Dale Steyn ruled out of the series with an injury on the left heel, all-rounder Chris Morris is likely to slot in the first XI. Morris will also provide depth in the batting line-up apart from hurrying the Indian batsmen with extra pace.

With 24 hours to go from the second Test, let’s take a look at the predicted XI for the Proteas:

Aiden Markram:

The 23-year-old young opener has impressed with his batting abilities in his brief career so far. Getting out cheaply in the first inning at Newlands, he got a good start in the second dig but failed to convert it.

South Africa would want him to look after the new ball and provide a good start.

Dean Elgar:

The southpaw has been one of the mainstays of South Africa’s batting at the top-order. While openers at the other end had come and gone in the recent past, Elgar has stood strong and been a constant in the top of the order. Elgar will be eager to do justice to his name after failing in the first Test.

Hashim Amla:

Amla is the most crucial man in that South African batting-order, as he has grown to be the best South African batsman in this format. After failing miserably in the first Test, Amla will be desperate to match his records against India come the second Test.

AB de Villiers:

De Villiers showed some glimpses of form in both the innings scoring some quickfire runs. He will be important for South Africa’s success in this series, as he is capable of dictating the game on his terms.

Faf du Plessis (C): 

Du Plessis adds to a strong middle-order South Africa possesses. He has led this side superbly and will be eager to seal the series in Cape Town. He came good with the bat in the first innings scoring 62 runs in tough conditions and will like to continue doing so.

Quinton de Kock (WK):

Being a prolific run-scorer in both the formats, de Kock has raised his standards behind the stumps over the years. The southpaw is one of the stylish left-handers in world cricket right now and has a good record besides his name.

He also got a good start and scored 43 runs but failed to convert it. Kock will look to score some runs with the bat in the second Test and help his teams cause.

Chris Morris:

All-rounder Morris is likely to replace injured Steyn in the second Test, which will be the lone change in the first XI. Steyn injury will be a blessing in disguise, as Morris brings in some depth in the batting order.

Keshav Maharaj:

The left-arm spinner has been a revelation for the Proteas in the recent past. He will be the lone spinner of the team, who can be useful at the later phase of the match. Maharaj is very handy with the bat and can score some quick runs when needed.

Vernon Philander:

Philander will look to continue his outstanding form from the first match to help his team seal the series. Philander bagged nine wickets in the first match to be adjudged the man of the match.

Philander bowled some outstanding lines and troubled Indian batsmen on a constant basis and will be eager to do so in the upcoming match.

Kagiso Rabada:

The young right-hander bowled with a great pace and intent and trouble Indian batters with short pitch deliveries. His fifer in the match helped him climb atop the ICC Test bowlers Ranking List. Rabada will be keen to continue his red-hot form in the remainder of the series.

Morne Morkel:

The tall and lanky pacer has been hitting the right line and length since his return after a long injury lay off. Morkel picked four wickets in the first go and will be keen to improve his statistics in the upcoming matches.