South Africa’s AB de Villiers plays a shot on the final day of a two-day cricket match between an Indian Board President’s XI and South Africa at The Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai on October 31, 2015. AFP PHOTO/Punit PARANJPE —- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE —- (Photo credit should read PUNIT PARANJPE/AFP/Getty Images)
India vs South Africa: Test series preview by the numbers
The four-match Test series between India and South Africa holds some mouth-watering prospects for Test fans. South Africa’s numbers here over the last 10 years are impressive.
South Africa’s AB de Villiers plays a shot on the final day of a two-day cricket match between an Indian Board President’s XI and South Africa at The Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai on October 31, 2015. AFP PHOTO/Punit PARANJPE —- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE —- (Photo credit should read PUNIT PARANJPE/AFP/Getty Images)
If you believe the ICC’s Test rankings predictor, South Africa will remain the number one team in the world even if they lose 4-0 to India and second-ranked Australia beat New Zealand 3-0.
Barring a loss of form from every single member of the team, though, a 4-0 series loss is an unlikely occurrence. South Africa’s record away from home is immense.
They have not lost a series away from home since 2006 and while they have not beaten India in a series on their home turf, they have racked up some impressive numbers.
Since 1996, they are the only team to have beaten India by an innings on their home turf. And they have done so three times.
South Africa have won more Tests in India than any other team with five wins out of 12 Tests. South Africa’s batsmen combined have an overall higher average than any other team since 1996. Their bowlers combined have a lower average than any other team and the lowest strike rate of all teams.
South Africa’s pace bowlers have managed to find success in conditions where spinners usually thrive. Since 1996, South Africa’s quick bowlers have taken 134 wickets between them at an average of 28.05 in 12 Tests. Australia’s pacers have taken more wickets (171) but they have also played more Tests (20) and those wickets have come at a higher average (35.69).
The pace bowlers’ combined strike rate is 58.8, the only team whose seamers have a combined strike-rate of below 73.00. They are also the only team with a seam bowler who has taken a ten-for.
Dale Steyn has been instrumental and immense on the sub-continent and while he is now in his twilight years, he’s still as good as he has ever been. AB de Villiers has found some sincilating form in the one-day series and Hashim Amla has shown that he is a crafty Test captain. If Test cricket is your thing, this series promises to be thrilling.
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