South Africa will be looking to claw their way back in to the 3 match Test series against India when the teams meet at the Wanderers on Monday. We take a look at the game from a betting angle.
India won the toss and chose to bat in the 1st Test at SuperSport Park and they never looked back with their openers, Rahul and Agarwal getting them off to an excellent start with a stand of a 117. The Proteas fought back to bowl India out for 327 and for the visitors it was Rahul with his 123 who was the rock around which the innings was built. Lungi Ngidi took 6 for 71 and Rabada 3 for 72 to keep the Proteas in the match.
South Africa were in trouble early slumping to 32 for 4 and were eventually bowled out for 197 with Temba Bavuma top scoring with 52 and there was also 34 runs from the now retired Quinton de Kock. Shami was the pick of the bowlers with 5 for 44 and the only disappointment for me was Bumrah only getting 7.2 overs due to injury, picking up 2 for 16, as he was my top bowler pick.
India then scored a 174 as they looked to set South Africa a target with Pant top scoring with 34 at a run a ball, Rabada and Jansen each picked up 4 wickets in the innings. Also losing Markram early South Africa fought hard thanks to a 77 from Elgar and a fighting 35 from Bavuma, but they were eventually bowled out for a 191 and the Indian bowlers were impressive with Bumrah and Shami both picking up 3 wickets.
South Africa have now drifted out to 17/2 in the series betting with India 2/9 and the drawn series 11/2 and you can click here for all series markets including Correct Score and Top Away Batsmen and Bowlers.
The Proteas most recent match at the Wanderers took place a year ago where they beat Sri Lanka by 10 wickets and of late have had a decent, but not spectacular record at this ground. There has been plenty of rain about in Joburg, but the forecast looks decent.
2nd TEST BETTING – Click here to bet
South Africa 3/1
Draw 2/1
India 23/20
Suggested Bet: A 100 to be scored in the match, NO, at 33/10
I think this is going to be another match where the ball dominates the bat so I expect a quick surface at the Wanderers and although the weather doesn’t look too bad, overhead conditions could see some humidity with the ball moving around.
Suggested Bet: Top Away Bowler, Shami at 7/2
I was so impressed with him in the first test and although I always have one eye on Bumrah in this market the fact that I can get Shami at almost double the price has me leaning in his direction.
Suggested Bet: Top Home Batsman, Markram at 26/10
This probably seems an odd choice after he failed twice in the first test, but I have a feeling that he is going to drop down the order perhaps to number 4 and Markram should be a different player if he can come in once the new ball has worn off a bit.
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
