India will look forward to carry their great run into the series (as will South Africa). I would put the Indians as favourites because I don't think South Africa quite have the ammunition needed to win on the subcontinent. It will be a crucial game tomorrow not just because it is the first game but also because it is the only day game and hence dew will definitely not play a part. India have a fair record at Hyderabad. In 2003, they beat NZ by a huge margin scoring 353 with Sachin and Sehwag both getting hundreds. In 2002, they beat Zimbabwe chasing a competitive total with Yuvraj and Kaif coming to the party. In 1999 they beat NZ by an even bigger margin scoring 376 !! Sachin scored 186* - this is the only day game here in the last 10 years - so could be a fair indicator of how things are likely to go.
In 1996, during the Titan Cup when the 2 teams clashed here, the Proteas had beaten India quite convincingly and it is that effort that they will hope to repeat.
For India, will they stick to the policy of the last few games ? playing 5 bowlers and fielding first ? Or will they look to start off the series batting first like they did in Nagpur ? Interesting choice that. I do think Sree Santh will have to sit out with RP Singh doing so well. And maybe JPY. Interesting to see if Gambhir gets a go. I would think not.
For South Africa interesting to see if they play their new offie Botha and if so how Dhoni takes to him.
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I won't be seeing this, because of the Pakistan England test tomorrow, but it will be interesting to see what happens, I'll check the scorecard afterwards for sure. Should be interesting the result of this series, since both India and SA are on a bit of roll, hopefully it will be a bit less one-sided then the Sri Lanka series.
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