India A v South Africa A, 2nd Test, Dharamsala

Bouncy pitch greets teams as India A seek series win

September 18, 2007

Suresh Raina is likely to play after missing the first game © AFP

After their crushing victory by an innings and 242 runs in the previous match, India A will guard against complacency as they seek to wrap up the series against South Africa A in their second and final Test beginning in Dharamsala tomorrow.

The Indians will be aware that the South Africans, boasting of a host of Test players, are capable of leveling the series at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association stadium. The team, led by the experienced Boeta Dippenaar, also includes Test players Ashwell Prince, Charl Langeveldt, Hashim Amla, Dale Steyn and Robin Peterson.

"They [South Africa] have many good players in the side, we cannot forget that," said Indian captain Mohmmad Kaif.

Besides, the bouncy wicket may also aid the visitors, who had collapsed against the spinners in the previous match in Delhi. Commenting on the pitch, curator Anuj Paldas said, "This is green a top and it will offer bounce. But it will also assist the spinners in the last two days."

Kaif, however, did not think a bouncy pitch against the South African bowling line-up would be a problem for his team. "I'm not sure if this South African bowling attack is that good," he said.

Batsman Suresh Raina, who missed out to Bengal's Manoj Tiwary in Delhi, is likely to be in the playing XI for this match as the team management tries to rotate its players. Raina, who just recovered from a knee injury, last played for India in January and the match would be particularly significant for him and other fringe players ahead of the busy international season.

Seamer Ishant Sharma, keen to retain his berth in the Test squad, would be looking to exploit the conditions while fellow fast bowler Pankaj Singh would also be relied upon by the team.

South Africa would be under pressure after being battered in all departments of the game in the last match. However, Dippenaar was optimistic of his team's chances in the seamer-friendly conditions. He added that seamer Dale Steyn will play, after missing the Delhi match.

"The Indians played a better quality of cricket in Delhi and more than their spinners, we have to look at our fielding," he said. "We dropped almost everyone before 30, which we won't like to repeat here. But the seaming track can definitely benefit us."

© PTI

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Matches

India A v South Africa A at Dharamsala

Players/Umpires

Boeta Dippenaar

Suresh Raina

Dale Steyn

Series/Tournaments

South Africa A tour of India

Teams

India

South Africa