Former India pacer Ashish Nehra believes that there will be more pressure on India ahead of the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town. India easily won the first match of the 3-Test series played at Centurion by 113 runs. In contrast, South Africa chased down 240 with seven wickets in the second Test in Johannesburg. The series now rests on the result of the final Test, starting January 11.
Team India will get a huge boost as Virat Kohli is all set to return to the mix. The Indian captain missed the Johannesburg Test due to a cramp in his upper back. His return is regarded as a major positivity for the tourists, who are eyeing their maiden series win in the Rainbow Nation. Nehra, however, feels that Dean Elgar and his teammates will be confident after tasting victory in the previous encounter.
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“As long as you are playing international cricket, you will always feel the pressure. But if I have to pick a specific team, I would say India will feel more pressure. The fact that they were leading 1-0 and the way South Africa chased down 240 in Test conditions has certainly put India under pressure,” Nehra told Cricbuzz ahead of the much-awaited 3 toldthird testing.
The former left-arm pacer also backed the selection of Ishant Sharma as cover for Siraj. The Hyderabad cricketer picked up a hamstring injury in the second Test and is ‘not match ready’, as confirmed by Kohli.
“When they have two players with 50 and 100 Test matches experience, the captain and coach will take some rest. On the last two pitches, there was more bounce for the tall fast bowlers. It will be interesting to see which one they choose.
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“Ishant can deliver long spells, which was acknowledged by Rahul Dravid as well; Whereas Umesh can help out with the traditional outswingers. So it will be a tough call,” Nehra said.
“If I have to choose between the two, I haven’t seen him bowling in the nets recently. This is a very important factor for selection. But I will go with Ishant Sharma for his experience.”
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