The home matches are so special for a cricket club. The crystal clear memory of the dressing room (age of the spider), hosting teas proudly , familiar of cow corners to milk runs, on time with full XI and soft corner of the curator make a team comfortable. The comfort zone keep players in good head space instilling confidence and mettle.
There will always be one or two away venues where a cricket club would feel home away from home with more away success. In this context, there is a nice back story for Team India at the Wanderers to fire up the mettle before the start of the second test.
Our “Maninaa Magaas” Karnataka stars have a profound love with this venue. Anil Kumble’s six wickets haul and Rahul Dravid’s century still echoes in our ears. In the morning of the second test, we saw a dream and epic start for another Karnataka star. KL Rahul was offered to steer the ship as a captain. Mayank also carried the baton well with his timing but couldn’t convert into something big. For Team India, this venue is home away from home (P-5, W-2, L-0, D-3)
Proteas bowling attack was intense with the right intent of a fight back. Later Lord Shardul showed his knack of smart bowling on bouncy pitches. He has become expert of bouncy pitches with an outstanding performance at Gabba and Wanderers (7/61).
Team India’s first innings outcome trended as “PuRane”. Pujara and Rahane gave it back in the second innings as “PuRane Dost” effect to give India an edge with a lead
Can South Africa register their first win against India at the Wanderers or Indian pace juggernaut illuminate the path to 2-0 lead?
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