Can South Africa dream of winning the big prize?

Over 5,700 days. That is the number of days South Africa took to break their drought in India in the longest format of the game. And they did it in dramatic fashion on day three of the Eden Gardens Test. At one moment, South Africa were a mere 63 runs ahead with three wickets in hand. However, Temba Bavuma and the lower order pushed the visitors to a lead of 123, which turned out to be enough to script a famous win on a difficult pitch. Can they now take one step further and secure a series victory, following in the footsteps of their predecessors in 2000? There is nothing wrong with dreaming.

For starters, there are doubts over whether there will be a full day’s play in Guwahati, where the second Test will be played, considering the early sunset. Secondly, South Africa have the required spinners to trouble India in their own backyard, Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj.

Harmer has all the tools to succeed in Asian conditions, side-spin, turn at pace, the slider, and excellent control. Meanwhile, Maharaj is a steady operator who can bowl long spells. Moreover, with Shubman Gill out of contention, it wouldn’t just affect India’s morale; they may have to include one more left-hander, which would bring Harmer even more into the equation.

South Africa also have a long batting line-up, with Harmer known for chipping in with useful runs down the order at No. 10. Although that depth didn’t help them in the first innings at Eden Gardens, Corbin Bosch’s vital stand with Bavuma powered them to a match-winning score in the second.

Despite the positives, South Africa have a worry line or two with their batting. None of the batters, including Bavuma, the skipper, averages over 40 in Test cricket. If India prepare a flat track, it could go against the visitors, as the home side have the strength and depth to compile big scores in such conditions.

There are also injury concerns regarding Kagiso Rabada and Harmer. However, the South African management have allayed fears over Harmer’s shoulder issue, confirming he is fit for the final Test of the series.

So, the main question remains. Can South Africa win the Test series? Very few teams have done so in India over the last 40 years. However, New Zealand did whitewash India last year, and South Africa would fancy their chances of at least drawing the second game and taking home the coveted trophy.