Kanpur Test: Dos and Don'ts for Day 2

India:

Dos:

Capitalise on the momentum:

After a spirited show by the Indian bowlers, it’s time for the batting line-up to take the onus and not let the momentum drift

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Openers need to fire:

An explosive start by Sehwag and a strong opening platform with Jaffer will set it up for India, putting direct pressure on the Proteas.

Don’ts:

Must not let Steyn and Ntini make inroads:

The hosts must keep their wickets intact and not allow Steyn and Ntini to take advantage of the moisture available in the air.

Don’t concede a big lead:

Even if the Indian batting order rattles, they should try to close in on the lead as much as possible. A lead of over 100 runs to South Africa could prove decisive in the end.

South Africa

Dos:

Get early breakthroughs:

Steyn and co must try to make the most of the early morning conditions by bowling straight to the stumps to pick wickets. The first session of the match could be crucial to the match’s outcome.

 

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Rotate the bowlers smartly:

Strike bowler Steyn should be used in short burst of spells.

Don’ts:

Lead should not exceed 80 runs:

Defending a modest total of 265 runs, the South Africans must not let the hosts build a massive first innings lead, as batting on the third and fourth day pitch would be a herculean task.

Don’t allow Sehwag get off to a flier:

Proteas should try and get Sehwag as early as possible. His stay at the crease for a long duration might just be sufficient to damage the other team’s morale and take the game out of their reach.