South Africa Vs India, 2018: Match Prediction – 3rd Test Johannesburg

With hosts South Africa all set to face visiting side India in the third and final Test of the ongoing Sunfoil Series on January 24, it would be interesting to see how Virat Kohli’s team would perform in the dead rubber as we have decided to talk about the match prediction in general.

After the Proteas sealed the series 2-0 following an all-round performance, India would eye to give their best after the can changes received the criticism for the second Test in Centurion which was won by the Faf du Plessis-led South Africa by 135 runs.

The Johannesburg surface is seen as turf for the fast bowlers which would further test the visiting batsman. Indian batsmen have failed to leave an impact to expect a couple of individual performances.

The hosts have solely relied on their pace quartet as India struggled with the batsmen opting for the rash shots at times.

However, the number one ranked team India has been working on their mistakes.

You could also chip in with your critical observation so far that where India lacked in particular in the first two Tests after having their chances to make most?

To me, the lack of application in the batting line-up has threatened visitors. Bowling, on the other hand, has done well, and subsequently boosted the morale of the team.

• Would there be any surprise on an offer from Kohli
• Du Plessis has been using his bowlers well
• Indian batters struggle against the Proteas pace battery
• Seam bowlers must be licking their fingers
• Must fight for batters on the bowling paradise Wanderers
• After African Safari it’s the matter of pride for Team India

[swnav]
SA vs. IND, 2018: Match Prediction for Wanderers Test – Navigation

• What India must do to culminate series 2-1
• South Africa aims for a whitewash
• India all set to salvage some pride
• Avenge on cards in the dead rubber?
• Prediction of the Wanderers Test

[/swnav]

***

Here are the five points to debate on and shed light on the match prediction:

What India must do to culminate series 2-1:

It would be a massive task for Virat Kohli-led India, but it’s not improbable for a team who has dominated the top-notch teams throughout, particularly, at home.

The side is further supposed to focus on the basics and play the game according to the strength.

The phrase catches win you matches- has all of it and Indian fielders must give their best to grab all the chances.

Moreover, the top-order batsmen need to click in a bid to make something for their bowlers to work on in tandem.

India would be tested with the short-ball ploy. Visitors should be ready to face the challenge after sweating out in nets with both bat and the ball respectively.

It should not be the one-man show either.

South Africa aims for a whitewash:

From Vernon Philander’s cunning accuracy to the newly-introduced lanky fast bowler Lungi Ngidi, the Proteas team has witnessed remarkable performances with the bat.

The interesting point regarding South African batting line-up has been the partnership in between even after being in the dire straits.

With the inclusion of AB de Villiers, the side has already witnessed the strength in its core, which went on to play the pivotal role for his side.

Under the leadership of Faf du Plessis, the bowlers have shown and bowled according to the plan to eke out wickets.

The hosts have shown faith in their natural game and are expecting to overhaul India 3-0 in the three-match five-day series while delivering at the Wanderers Stadium.

India all set to salvage some pride:

Following the two straight losses, India would not want to repeat what they did in Cape Town and what later unfolded in Centurion on a surface which was on the slower surface which saw Indian batting line-up was strangulated at 151 in 50.2 overs.

However, with the side working hard to plug in the loopholes, the side would be aiming to give the all-round performance, and the seniors could come into the play.

With a couple of changes expected in the playing XI, Virat Kohli has been direct at players in a bid to step up after the poor show on the South African soil.

Avenge on cards in the dead rubber?

There’s no pressure on South Africa on the other side, as they have already inflicted the pain on visitors.

However, Team India can bounce back in style and give their best when they seem to be done and dusted.

As per early reports, the Johannesburg surface is expected to be the familiar for the fast bowlers as the bowling stocks of both the teams would be confident enough to prove themselves respectively.

With onus completely on the bowlers, it would be an important point to watch out for Indian point of view whether they would be able to take on the Proteas bowlers while relying on the extra batsman after failing to counter the quad bowling attack.

Prediction of the Wanderers Test:

With bowling showing no worrying sign for India in particular, but their batting order has been struggling.

It’s expected that India might introduce Ajinkya Rahane in the line-up after warming the bench for first two Tests.

South African bowlers on the other side have done the lion’s share of bowling according to the line and length which went on to make things miserable for the batters.

On the other side, Shikhar Dhawan and Bhuvneshwar Kumar are the strong contenders to break into the playing XI.

The result might go into hosts favour, but it’s expected to be an enthralling Test fixture with swing bowling having a lot on offer.

Early on, Kohli has already taken some hard-hitting decision, but du Plessis kept things simple to focus on the settled unit.

Follow South Africa Vs India series: Sunfoil Test series, 2018: