Cape Town is in the grip of a catastrophic three-year-long drought as winter rains have repeatedly failed causing dam levels to drop to dangerously low levels.

The city has announced that it could be forced to shut off the taps in the middle of May - a deadline that has become known as &#39;Day Zero&#39;.

Meanwhile, anxious residents are doing what they can to reduce their daily water consumption, collecting an additional 25 litre ration at one of the city&#39;s natural springs.

&quot;We&#39;ve just sort of had to reconfigure our lives, in a way that there is no municipal water because thats what it is required of us in terms of preparing for &#39;Day Zero&#39;, opening that tap and there&#39;s nothing!&quot; said Fairuz Mullagee, a researcher at the University of the Western Cape.

We explain what that would mean for the &quot;Mother City&quot;, as South Africans affectionately call Cape Town:

What is Day Zero?

&quot;Day Zero&quot; is the day when city officials will be forced to cut off the normal water supply to 75 per cent of the city&#39;s homes - more than one million households.

Instead, families and some commercial users will be forced to queue at 200 water collection points across the city to collect a daily allocation of 25 litres (6.6 US gallons) until water reserves are boosted.

Authorities have said that the collection sites will likely be guarded by police or military personnel.

What&#39;s being done to keep taps on?

At the start of February, the target for personal daily water usage was slashed from 87 litres to 50 litres.

A single toilet flush uses nine litres. It is hoped that usage cuts will buy the city time to find a solution - or for the rains of the southern winter to refill depleted dams.

Reducing household use has been prioritised over slashing industry&#39;s consumption as residential use accounts for 70 per cent of consumption.

Among the other plans being considered to avert a shut-off is an increase in desalination efforts with the first city-run plant expected to come on line later this month.

The site, located at the tourist-magnet Victoria and Alfred waterfront, will initially produce two million litres a day. The city&#39;s demand is almost 600 million litres.

Three other plants are half way to completion - but are running behind schedule.

Water is also being trucked in from elsewhere in South Africa by the Gift of the Givers charity which has sourced water from more than 70 collection points to be used to supply Cape Town&#39;s most vulnerable people.

Boreholes will also be key to averting &quot;Day Zero&quot;.

City officials hope to draw 80 million cubic metres from an aquifer on the Cape Flats, east of the city centre, 30 million cubic metres from the Atlantis aquifer and 40 million cubic metres from an aquifer at Table Mountain.

When will Day Zero happen?

The day shifts. It depends on the amount of water above 450 million litres used by the city each day.

For each day it exceeds that target, the shut-off draws nearer. But if the city uses less than that amount it moves further away.

It is currently forecast for May 11 with dam levels currently at 25.9 per cent. Experts say anything below 10 per cent may be unusable.

Will anyone be spared?

&quot;Economically essential&quot; sites will be spared the shut-off, officials say, as will impoverished informal settlements that already rely on communal taps.

The regional government has said that health facilities - both public and private - will also be guaranteed water supplies.

Schools will also be spared any initial shut-off.

Reducing household use has been prioritised over slashing industry's consumption as residential use accounts for 70 per cent of consumption.

Cape Town is in the grip of a catastrophic three-year-long drought as winter rains have repeatedly failed causing dam levels to drop to dangerously low levels. The city has announced that it could be forced to shut off the taps in the middle of May - a deadline that has become known as 'Day Zero'. Meanwhile, anxious residents are doing what they can to reduce their daily water consumption, collecting an additional 25 litre ration at one of the city's natural springs. "We've just sort of had to reconfigure our lives, in a way that there is no municipal water because thats what it is required of us in terms of preparing for 'Day Zero', opening that tap and there's nothing!" said Fairuz Mullagee, a researcher at the University of the Western Cape. We explain what that would mean for the "Mother City", as South Africans affectionately call Cape Town: What is Day Zero? "Day Zero" is the day when city officials will be forced to cut off the normal water supply to 75 per cent of the city's homes - more than one million households. Instead, families and some commercial users will be forced to queue at 200 water collection points across the city to collect a daily allocation of 25 litres (6.6 US gallons) until water reserves are boosted. Authorities have said that the collection sites will likely be guarded by police or military personnel. What's being done to keep taps on? At the start of February, the target for personal daily water usage was slashed from 87 litres to 50 litres. A single toilet flush uses nine litres. It is hoped that usage cuts will buy the city time to find a solution - or for the rains of the southern winter to refill depleted dams. Reducing household use has been prioritised over slashing industry's consumption as residential use accounts for 70 per cent of consumption. Among the other plans being considered to avert a shut-off is an increase in desalination efforts with the first city-run plant expected to come on line later this month. The site, located at the tourist-magnet Victoria and Alfred waterfront, will initially produce two million litres a day. The city's demand is almost 600 million litres. Three other plants are half way to completion - but are running behind schedule. Water is also being trucked in from elsewhere in South Africa by the Gift of the Givers charity which has sourced water from more than 70 collection points to be used to supply Cape Town's most vulnerable people. Boreholes will also be key to averting "Day Zero". City officials hope to draw 80 million cubic metres from an aquifer on the Cape Flats, east of the city centre, 30 million cubic metres from the Atlantis aquifer and 40 million cubic metres from an aquifer at Table Mountain. When will Day Zero happen? The day shifts. It depends on the amount of water above 450 million litres used by the city each day. For each day it exceeds that target, the shut-off draws nearer. But if the city uses less than that amount it moves further away. It is currently forecast for May 11 with dam levels currently at 25.9 per cent. Experts say anything below 10 per cent may be unusable. Will anyone be spared? "Economically essential" sites will be spared the shut-off, officials say, as will impoverished informal settlements that already rely on communal taps. The regional government has said that health facilities - both public and private - will also be guaranteed water supplies. Schools will also be spared any initial shut-off.

As Cape Town drought bites, residents prepare for 'Day Zero'

Hundreds of Cape Town residents are being forced to line up overnight to stock up on water as South Africa&rsquo;s second largest economic hub and tourism attraction struggle with a severe drought that could see taps turned off in May.&nbsp;

The lines are a foretaste of what looks set to become a much bigger problem for the city unless rain falls.

On Monday, city officials pushed back &ldquo;Day Zero&rdquo; &ndash; the day taps could run dry &ndash; by a month to May 11 from April 16, as farmers in the water-intensive agriculture sector cut back consumption amid tight restrictions.

Last week, dam levels in Western Cape province fell to 24.5 percent from 25.3 percent the previous week and from nearly 38 percent a year ago.

Cape Town&rsquo;s drought is part of a wider climate change pattern seen around the country including Eastern Cape province, where several towns also face water shortages.

For hard-pressed residents in the port city of 4 million, fear and anxiety stalk the lines as people consider what might happen when large crowds are forced to line up for emergency water rations at collection points.

&ldquo;I think there is going to be chaos,&rdquo; said Saleigh van der Schyff, as he inched forward in a long line up where people lined up to collect water from a natural spring in the Newlands suburb.

&ldquo;I hope Day Zero never comes, but I can see with people wanting to come here and the desperation for water, we are soon going to realize that water is more valuable than oil,&rdquo; he said at 11 pm local time on Monday as a steady stream of people continued to arrive at the spring to fill their containers.&nbsp;

The spring runs 24-hours a day and has at least three security guards on duty to keep tempers in check.

Cape Town city authorities have previously tested out a water collection site at a soccer field, saying it plans to roll out an estimated 200 such water points across the city. People will line up between metal fences under the gaze of the army and police as they wait in line to fill up their containers.

Authorities say each person will be allocated 25 litres of water per day, and have been urging residents of the city to &ldquo;save water or line up for water&rdquo; in the run-up to Day Zero.&nbsp;

From the beginning of February, residents and visitors will be allocated only 50 litres a day, 7 times less than the average U.S. citizen, according to the World Water Council.

&ldquo;I am extremely worried because of all the negative things that could happen,&rdquo; said Sharon O&lsquo;Connor, a 63-year-old financial assistant as she waited her turn.

Close to the brewery spring at Newlands, city officials stepped in after an altercation to access another spring in the area turned violent. One person was arrested, officials said.

Worried about diseases spreading, the city has warned residents about drinking water from unsafe sources across the city.

At another popular collection site where water flows in the suburb of Woodstock that lies at the foot of Table Mountain, pick-up trucks with empty containers pull over under a bridge as people bend down on the pavement to access the water source.

&ldquo;Desperate times call for desperate measures,&rdquo; said one businessman, who only identified himself as Amien.&nbsp;

Cape Town’s drought is part of a wider climate change pattern seen around the country including Eastern Cape province, where several towns also face water shortages

Hundreds of Cape Town residents are being forced to line up overnight to stock up on water as South Africa’s second largest economic hub and tourism attraction struggle with a severe drought that could see taps turned off in May. The lines are a foretaste of what looks set to become a much bigger problem for the city unless rain falls. On Monday, city officials pushed back “Day Zero” – the day taps could run dry – by a month to May 11 from April 16, as farmers in the water-intensive agriculture sector cut back consumption amid tight restrictions. Last week, dam levels in Western Cape province fell to 24.5 percent from 25.3 percent the previous week and from nearly 38 percent a year ago. Cape Town’s drought is part of a wider climate change pattern seen around the country including Eastern Cape province, where several towns also face water shortages. For hard-pressed residents in the port city of 4 million, fear and anxiety stalk the lines as people consider what might happen when large crowds are forced to line up for emergency water rations at collection points. “I think there is going to be chaos,” said Saleigh van der Schyff, as he inched forward in a long line up where people lined up to collect water from a natural spring in the Newlands suburb. “I hope Day Zero never comes, but I can see with people wanting to come here and the desperation for water, we are soon going to realize that water is more valuable than oil,” he said at 11 pm local time on Monday as a steady stream of people continued to arrive at the spring to fill their containers. The spring runs 24-hours a day and has at least three security guards on duty to keep tempers in check. Cape Town city authorities have previously tested out a water collection site at a soccer field, saying it plans to roll out an estimated 200 such water points across the city. People will line up between metal fences under the gaze of the army and police as they wait in line to fill up their containers. Authorities say each person will be allocated 25 litres of water per day, and have been urging residents of the city to “save water or line up for water” in the run-up to Day Zero. From the beginning of February, residents and visitors will be allocated only 50 litres a day, 7 times less than the average U.S. citizen, according to the World Water Council. “I am extremely worried because of all the negative things that could happen,” said Sharon O‘Connor, a 63-year-old financial assistant as she waited her turn. Close to the brewery spring at Newlands, city officials stepped in after an altercation to access another spring in the area turned violent. One person was arrested, officials said. Worried about diseases spreading, the city has warned residents about drinking water from unsafe sources across the city. At another popular collection site where water flows in the suburb of Woodstock that lies at the foot of Table Mountain, pick-up trucks with empty containers pull over under a bridge as people bend down on the pavement to access the water source. “Desperate times call for desperate measures,” said one businessman, who only identified himself as Amien.

Drought forces some Cape Town residents into midnight queues for water

Hit by a severe drought, the city authorities of South Africa&#39;s Cape town issued a warning to residents&nbsp;saying that it might have to turn off most city taps in mid-April if residents don&#39;t save enough water.

New water restrictions&nbsp; have also been introduced by the authorities on Thursday in an attempt to avoid &quot;Day Zero.&quot;

Residents will be asked to use no more than 50 litres (13.2 gallons) of water daily, down from the current limit of 87 litres (23 gallons).

The day zero is the day when the water in the dams reaches 13.5 per cent of the capacity which currently three-quarter empty, which probably will fall in April.

Most of the city&#39;s water is demand is supplied by dams.

According to the new instructions, taps will be shut off and residents will have to stand in queues to get water which will be only allowed 25 litres per person.

However, water will be supplied to hospitals, clinics and essential services.

Showing proof of consequence of climate change, drought is hurting Cape town&#39;s tourism industry also affecting economy of the city,

Hotels have asked guests not to use baths and to limit showers to two minutes or less, while some restaurants are switching to disposable cups and ditching table linen.

Tourism accounted for an estimated 9 percent of South Africa&#39;s economic output last year, or 412 billion rands ($35 billion).

There is no official data available yet to quantify the impact water shortages are having on numbers&nbsp;

According to the reports if the situation remains same for several more weeks then it will become a first major city to run out of the water.

(With inputs from Reuters)

New water restrictions have also been introduced by the authorities on Thursday in an attempt to avoid 'Day Zero'

Hit by a severe drought, the city authorities of South Africa's Cape town issued a warning to residents saying that it might have to turn off most city taps in mid-April if residents don't save enough water. New water restrictions have also been introduced by the authorities on Thursday in an attempt to avoid "Day Zero." Residents will be asked to use no more than 50 litres (13.2 gallons) of water daily, down from the current limit of 87 litres (23 gallons). The day zero is the day when the water in the dams reaches 13.5 per cent of the capacity which currently three-quarter empty, which probably will fall in April. Most of the city's water is demand is supplied by dams. According to the new instructions, taps will be shut off and residents will have to stand in queues to get water which will be only allowed 25 litres per person. However, water will be supplied to hospitals, clinics and essential services. Showing proof of consequence of climate change, drought is hurting Cape town's tourism industry also affecting economy of the city, Hotels have asked guests not to use baths and to limit showers to two minutes or less, while some restaurants are switching to disposable cups and ditching table linen. Tourism accounted for an estimated 9 percent of South Africa's economic output last year, or 412 billion rands ($35 billion). There is no official data available yet to quantify the impact water shortages are having on numbers According to the reports if the situation remains same for several more weeks then it will become a first major city to run out of the water. (With inputs from Reuters)

South Africa: Cape town issues warning as city faces severe water shortage due to drought

South Africa&#39;s Cape Town, one of the world&#39;s iconic tourist destinations, could run out of water by April as the city&#39;s worst drought in a century risks forcing residents to join queues for emergency rations.

&quot;Day Zero&quot; - the date taps are due to run dry - has crept forward to April 22 as city authorities race to build desalination plants and drill underground boreholes.

Almost 2 million tourists flock to Cape Town every year to bathe on sandy white beaches, explore natural features like Table Mountain or to sip wine in dozens of nearby vineyards.

Travel and tourism accounted for an estimated 9 percent or 412 billion rand ($33 billion) of South Africa&#39;s economic output last year, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council.

&quot;At the current rate the city is likely to reach Day Zero on 22 April,&quot; said councilor Xanthea Limberg, Cape Town&#39;s mayoral committee member for water.

&quot;There is a real risk that residents will have to queue.&quot;

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At a trial water collection site, similar to an estimated 200 the city may introduce, people queue between metal fences waiting to fill up containers from standpipes.

A maximum 25 litres of water will be provided per person, per day, officials said.

Limberg said the dire situation was being worsened by some people ignoring a push for residents and visitors to use no more than 87 litres of water per person per day.

Cape Town is home to many wealthy residents who have swimming pools and sprinkler systems, although the city does not want to play a &quot;blame game&quot; as lots of affluent residents are saving water, she said.

Businesses in the hospitality industry also say they are trying to help, limiting showers to two minutes and using water used for washing dishes and clothes to water gardens.

Authorities want to reduce the city&#39;s consumption to 500 million litres a day - half the amount used two years ago.

&quot;Everyone is taking as many steps and measures that they possibly can to try and make sure we don&#39;t reach Day Zero,&quot; said Gabrielle Bolton, spokeswoman for the five-star Belmond Mount Nelson hotel.

In a possible sign of things to come, security guards have been monitoring a steady flow of cars and people lining up at AB-Inbev&rsquo;s Newlands brewery to get up to 25 litres of free water from a mountain stream on its property.

The popular Newlands public swimming pool across the road from the brewery has been closed due to water restrictions with still two months of the South African summer left to run.

City officials say dam levels dipped below 30 percent in the first week of the new year, with only about 19.7 percent of that water considered usable. Residents will have to queue for water when dams reach 13.5 percent.

&quot;I am concerned we will run out of water and it is difficult,&quot; said Susan Jones, a grandmother who regularly visits the Newlands spring taps.

&quot;We are making do. We have to.&quot;

The city is going through its worst drought in a century

South Africa's Cape Town, one of the world's iconic tourist destinations, could run out of water by April as the city's worst drought in a century risks forcing residents to join queues for emergency rations. "Day Zero" - the date taps are due to run dry - has crept forward to April 22 as city authorities race to build desalination plants and drill underground boreholes. Almost 2 million tourists flock to Cape Town every year to bathe on sandy white beaches, explore natural features like Table Mountain or to sip wine in dozens of nearby vineyards. Travel and tourism accounted for an estimated 9 percent or 412 billion rand ($33 billion) of South Africa's economic output last year, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council. "At the current rate the city is likely to reach Day Zero on 22 April," said councilor Xanthea Limberg, Cape Town's mayoral committee member for water. "There is a real risk that residents will have to queue." Day Zero - the date taps are due to run dry - has crept forward to April 22 as city authorities race to build desalination plants and drill underground boreholes × At a trial water collection site, similar to an estimated 200 the city may introduce, people queue between metal fences waiting to fill up containers from standpipes. A maximum 25 litres of water will be provided per person, per day, officials said. Limberg said the dire situation was being worsened by some people ignoring a push for residents and visitors to use no more than 87 litres of water per person per day. Cape Town is home to many wealthy residents who have swimming pools and sprinkler systems, although the city does not want to play a "blame game" as lots of affluent residents are saving water, she said. Businesses in the hospitality industry also say they are trying to help, limiting showers to two minutes and using water used for washing dishes and clothes to water gardens. Authorities want to reduce the city's consumption to 500 million litres a day - half the amount used two years ago. "Everyone is taking as many steps and measures that they possibly can to try and make sure we don't reach Day Zero," said Gabrielle Bolton, spokeswoman for the five-star Belmond Mount Nelson hotel. In a possible sign of things to come, security guards have been monitoring a steady flow of cars and people lining up at AB-Inbev’s Newlands brewery to get up to 25 litres of free water from a mountain stream on its property. The popular Newlands public swimming pool across the road from the brewery has been closed due to water restrictions with still two months of the South African summer left to run. City officials say dam levels dipped below 30 percent in the first week of the new year, with only about 19.7 percent of that water considered usable. Residents will have to queue for water when dams reach 13.5 percent. "I am concerned we will run out of water and it is difficult," said Susan Jones, a grandmother who regularly visits the Newlands spring taps. "We are making do. We have to."

South Africa's Cape Town may run out of water in 90 days

If India were hoping for a reprieve from fast and bouncy South African wickets in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/cricket/factbox-south-africa-v-india-second-test-pretoria-29248">second Test match</a> starting on Saturday, they will not find it in Pretoria, a ground where the home side have a formidable record.

South Africa romped to a 72-run victory in the first Test of the three-game series at Newlands in Cape Town on Monday, a match that effectively needed just three days to be completed with one lost to rain.

The Pretoria wicket is likely to be similar, with perhaps not the same sideways movement of Newlands, and will provide another Test of the Indian batsmen&#39;s bravery against a seam bowling barrage.

Vernon Philander looked at times unplayable in Cape Town, while the new leading bowler in Test cricket, Kagiso Rabada, brings plenty of pace, fire and skill. He took 13 wickets in a Test against England at the venue two years ago.

Morne Morkel will be the third seamer, with Chris Morris likely to play in place of the injured Dale Steyn. He will also strengthen the batting.

There have been murmurings that South Africa may even select a fifth seamer and leave spinner Keshav Maharaj on the sidelines, with Duanne Olivier, Andile Phehlukwayo and uncapped Lungi Ngidi in the squad to offer that option.

&quot;In this series and for the rest of the summer, we will be looking to see how best we can fit four fast bowlers into whatever formula we come up with,&quot; South Africa coach Ottis Gibson told reporters this week.

&quot;When you are playing at home, you must play to your strengths. If you want to beat the best team in the world, which India are, then maybe we have to do something slightly different to what we&#39;ve done in the past.

&quot;We have to get stuck in and be tough with the bat and the ball; get in their faces a bit and use our physicality in terms of our pace.&rdquo;

SHOW INTENT

India know what is coming and their success will be determined by how they handle the threat.

They managed a match aggregate of 344 over their two innings in Cape Town and captain Virat Kohli has told his batsmen to take the attack to the home side.

&quot;We need to have intent because of the kind of bowling attack they have,&rdquo; Kohli said.

&quot;You need to find the perfect balance to do well in South Africa, especially where there is more bounce. You cannot be casual at the same time you cannot have loose shots also.&quot;

South Africa have a dominant record in Pretoria, with 17 wins and three draws in their 22 Tests. Four of their last six victories have been by an innings, including against India in 2010, and the other two by more than 200 runs.

India know what is coming and their success will be determined by how they handle the threat.

If India were hoping for a reprieve from fast and bouncy South African wickets in the second Test match starting on Saturday, they will not find it in Pretoria, a ground where the home side have a formidable record. South Africa romped to a 72-run victory in the first Test of the three-game series at Newlands in Cape Town on Monday, a match that effectively needed just three days to be completed with one lost to rain. The Pretoria wicket is likely to be similar, with perhaps not the same sideways movement of Newlands, and will provide another Test of the Indian batsmen's bravery against a seam bowling barrage. Vernon Philander looked at times unplayable in Cape Town, while the new leading bowler in Test cricket, Kagiso Rabada, brings plenty of pace, fire and skill. He took 13 wickets in a Test against England at the venue two years ago. Morne Morkel will be the third seamer, with Chris Morris likely to play in place of the injured Dale Steyn. He will also strengthen the batting. There have been murmurings that South Africa may even select a fifth seamer and leave spinner Keshav Maharaj on the sidelines, with Duanne Olivier, Andile Phehlukwayo and uncapped Lungi Ngidi in the squad to offer that option. "In this series and for the rest of the summer, we will be looking to see how best we can fit four fast bowlers into whatever formula we come up with," South Africa coach Ottis Gibson told reporters this week. "When you are playing at home, you must play to your strengths. If you want to beat the best team in the world, which India are, then maybe we have to do something slightly different to what we've done in the past. "We have to get stuck in and be tough with the bat and the ball; get in their faces a bit and use our physicality in terms of our pace.” SHOW INTENT India know what is coming and their success will be determined by how they handle the threat. They managed a match aggregate of 344 over their two innings in Cape Town and captain Virat Kohli has told his batsmen to take the attack to the home side. "We need to have intent because of the kind of bowling attack they have,” Kohli said. "You need to find the perfect balance to do well in South Africa, especially where there is more bounce. You cannot be casual at the same time you cannot have loose shots also." South Africa have a dominant record in Pretoria, with 17 wins and three draws in their 22 Tests. Four of their last six victories have been by an innings, including against India in 2010, and the other two by more than 200 runs.

No reprieve for India in second Test in Pretoria

SOUTH AFRICA

Test ranking: Second

Captain: Faf du Plessis

Coach: Ottis Gibson

Top ranked Test batsman: Hashim Amla (10)

Top ranked Test bowler: Kagiso Rabada (1)

Squad: Faf du Plessis (captain), Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock, Theunis de Bruyn, AB de Villiers, Dean Elgar, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, Lungi Ngidi, Duanne Olivier, Andile Phehlukwayo, Vernon Philander, Kagiso Rabada.

Last five Test matches

Against England in Manchester: Lost by 177 runs

Against Bangladesh in Potchefstroom: Won by 333 runs

Against Bangladesh in Bloemfontein: Won by an innings and 254 runs

Against Zimbabwe in Port Elizabeth: Won by an innings and 120 runs

Against India in Cape Town: Won by 72 runs

INDIA

Test ranking: First

Captain: Virat Kohli

Coach: Ravi Shastri

Top ranked Test batsman: Virat Kohli (3)

Top ranked Test bowler: Ravindra Jadeja (3)

Squad: Virat Kohli (captain), Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Shikhar Dhawan, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Hardik Pandya, Parthiv Patel, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Lokesh Rahul, Wriddhiman Saha, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, Rohit Sharma, Murali Vija, Umesh Yadav

Last five Test mathces

Against Sri Lanka in Pallekele: Won by an innings and 171 runs

AGainst Sri Lanka in Kolkata: Match drawn

Against Sri Lanka in Nagpur: Won by an innings and 239 runs

Against Sri Lanka in Delhi: Match drawn

Against South Africa in Cape Town: Lost by 72 runs

PREVIOUS RESULTS

South Africa v India all Test matches

Matches 34

South Africa wins 14

India wins 10

Draws 10

South Africa v India in South Africa

Matches 18

South Africa wins 9

India wins 2

Draws 7

PREVIOUS SERIES

1992/93 South Africa beat India 1-0 (three draws) 1996/97 India beat South Africa 2-1 1996/97 South Africa beat India 2-0 (one draw) 1999/00 India lost to South Africa 0-2 2001/02 South Africa beat India 1-0 (one draw) 2004/05 India beat South Africa 1-0 (one draw) 2006/07 South Africa beat India 2-1 2007/08 India and South Africa drew 1-1 (one draw) 2009/10 India and South Africa drew 1-1 2010/11 South Africa and India drew 1-1 (one draw) 2013/14 South Africa beat India 1-0 (one draw) 2015/16 India beat South Africa 3-0 (one draw).

South Africa have a dominant record in Pretoria, with 17 wins and three draws in their 22 Tests.

SOUTH AFRICA Test ranking: Second Captain: Faf du Plessis Coach: Ottis Gibson Top ranked Test batsman: Hashim Amla (10) Top ranked Test bowler: Kagiso Rabada (1) Squad: Faf du Plessis (captain), Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock, Theunis de Bruyn, AB de Villiers, Dean Elgar, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, Lungi Ngidi, Duanne Olivier, Andile Phehlukwayo, Vernon Philander, Kagiso Rabada. Last five Test matches Against England in Manchester: Lost by 177 runs Against Bangladesh in Potchefstroom: Won by 333 runs Against Bangladesh in Bloemfontein: Won by an innings and 254 runs Against Zimbabwe in Port Elizabeth: Won by an innings and 120 runs Against India in Cape Town: Won by 72 runs INDIA Test ranking: First Captain: Virat Kohli Coach: Ravi Shastri Top ranked Test batsman: Virat Kohli (3) Top ranked Test bowler: Ravindra Jadeja (3) Squad: Virat Kohli (captain), Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Shikhar Dhawan, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Hardik Pandya, Parthiv Patel, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Lokesh Rahul, Wriddhiman Saha, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, Rohit Sharma, Murali Vija, Umesh Yadav Last five Test mathces Against Sri Lanka in Pallekele: Won by an innings and 171 runs AGainst Sri Lanka in Kolkata: Match drawn Against Sri Lanka in Nagpur: Won by an innings and 239 runs Against Sri Lanka in Delhi: Match drawn Against South Africa in Cape Town: Lost by 72 runs PREVIOUS RESULTS South Africa v India all Test matches Matches 34 South Africa wins 14 India wins 10 Draws 10 South Africa v India in South Africa Matches 18 South Africa wins 9 India wins 2 Draws 7 PREVIOUS SERIES 1992/93 South Africa beat India 1-0 (three draws) 1996/97 India beat South Africa 2-1 1996/97 South Africa beat India 2-0 (one draw) 1999/00 India lost to South Africa 0-2 2001/02 South Africa beat India 1-0 (one draw) 2004/05 India beat South Africa 1-0 (one draw) 2006/07 South Africa beat India 2-1 2007/08 India and South Africa drew 1-1 (one draw) 2009/10 India and South Africa drew 1-1 2010/11 South Africa and India drew 1-1 (one draw) 2013/14 South Africa beat India 1-0 (one draw) 2015/16 India beat South Africa 3-0 (one draw).

Factbox: South Africa v India, second Test, Pretoria

Heavy showers in Cape Town delayed the start of day three play between India and South Africa on Sunday.

The Virat Kohli-led Indian team is under immense pressure as the hosts have been dominating the proceedings so far.&nbsp;

On day 2, South Africa was able to build a sizeable second-innings lead after reaching 65 for the loss of two at stumps.&nbsp;

Hashim Amla and night-watchman Kagiso Rabada will seek today to extend the host&#39;s advantage of 142 runs with remaining eight wickets.

The South African seamers had bowled India out for 209 on a lively wicket offering plenty of assistance for the bowlers.

For India, Hardik Pandya played a blistering knock of 93 runs to save its drowning team which at one point were 92/7 after lunch. &nbsp;

The all-rounder proved his mettle by helping his team inch closer to South Africa&#39;s total of 286.&nbsp;

In the second innings, Hardik contributed with the ball as well by dismissing the Proteas openers at an early stage.&nbsp;

South Africa host India in three tests this month with the next two to be played in Pretoria and Johannesburg.

Hardik Pandya played a blistering knock of 93 runs to save its drowning team which at one point were 92/7 after lunch

Heavy showers in Cape Town delayed the start of day three play between India and South Africa on Sunday. The Virat Kohli-led Indian team is under immense pressure as the hosts have been dominating the proceedings so far. On day 2, South Africa was able to build a sizeable second-innings lead after reaching 65 for the loss of two at stumps. Hashim Amla and night-watchman Kagiso Rabada will seek today to extend the host's advantage of 142 runs with remaining eight wickets. The South African seamers had bowled India out for 209 on a lively wicket offering plenty of assistance for the bowlers. For India, Hardik Pandya played a blistering knock of 93 runs to save its drowning team which at one point were 92/7 after lunch. The all-rounder proved his mettle by helping his team inch closer to South Africa's total of 286. In the second innings, Hardik contributed with the ball as well by dismissing the Proteas openers at an early stage. South Africa host India in three tests this month with the next two to be played in Pretoria and Johannesburg.

India vs South Africa: Day 3 start delayed due to rain

The first Test match against South Africa saw many dramatic scenes.&nbsp;

India started the day well with Bhuvneshwar Kumar wrecking the top batting order but finished it at a disappointing position after South Africa overcame the early losses and managed to put a total of 286 on the scorecard.

The match, where India was once seen at the driver&#39;s seat, soon shifted to the Proteas side when AB de Villiers and Faf du Plessis struck a partnership of 114 runs.

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The score is 27/3 in the ninth over by the way with SA ahead by 259. Long way to go for India <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ProteaFire?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ProteaFire</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAvIND</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SunfoilTest?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SunfoilTest</a> <a href="https://t.co/OYeYma3014">pic.twitter.com/OYeYma3014</a>
&mdash; Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialCSA/status/949307793072410626?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Even after their dismissal, VD Philander, Q de Kock and KA Maharaj made a good contribution with their bats. 
&nbsp; 
Then the South African pacers struck.

The ferocious bowlers too trashed the Indian top batting order in reply by taking three quick wickets and made the Indian team crawl at 28 for three at end of the day.&nbsp;

Vernon Philander had Murali Vijay caught at gully and four balls later Dale Steyn, playing his first Test match in more than a year, caught Shikhar Dhawan.

The biggest and most crucial wicket of skipper Virat Kohli was taken by Morne Morkel. He edged to wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock after making just five runs.

A lot was expected from the skipper but he failed to produce results in the 1st innings of the first Test match.

This is another soft dismissal which has hit Indian team hard. Kohli fell into the same trap of Morne Morkel.&nbsp;

Yesterday was the third time when Morkel had seen Kohli off. Around 63.6 per cent of dismissals of Virat against South Africa is caught behind as he fails to judge the swing of the ball.

Combination of pace and swing often stuns Kohli and the bowlers deceive him by bowling far away from the wickets.&nbsp;

This has caused him out many times in the hands of men standing at slip position.

Kohli&#39;s tendency is to play mostly in the &#39;V&#39; area. But the problem comes when a ball is just short of a good length (outside off) on a sharp bouncy pitch, likewise, the pitch of Newlands.

India&#39;s tour of England in 2014, is an example when in 6 out of 10 test innings he was caught out exactly the same way.

With an average of 44.38, Kohli&#39;s performance is comparatively poor in away series than performances in home series.&nbsp;

The stats reflect that Kohli is much comfortable playing in India, but in the foreign lands, his performance is affected due to adverse conditions and pitch behaviour.

Despite having a wonderful overseas record in limited overs, Kohli fails to score centuries on the green pitches in Test cricket.&nbsp;

For Example India&#39;s tour of Australia in 2014-2015, Kohli scored 4 centuries in 3 different cricket grounds but not in Brisbane, because it was the only green wicket in that series similar to the Cape Town&#39;s pitch.

Not to forget Tendulkar&#39;s innings in 1992 on the tour of England when every Indian batsman was struggling to score, Sachin at such young age scored two brilliant century.

Talking about the current series, Indian side needs to revamp their strategy to tackle South African.

&nbsp;

Despite having a wonderful overseas record in limited overs, Kohli fails to score centuries on the green pitches in Test cricket

The first Test match against South Africa saw many dramatic scenes. India started the day well with Bhuvneshwar Kumar wrecking the top batting order but finished it at a disappointing position after South Africa overcame the early losses and managed to put a total of 286 on the scorecard. The match, where India was once seen at the driver's seat, soon shifted to the Proteas side when AB de Villiers and Faf du Plessis struck a partnership of 114 runs. The score is 27/3 in the ninth over by the way with SA ahead by 259. Long way to go for India #ProteaFire #SAvIND #SunfoilTest pic.twitter.com/OYeYma3014 — Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) January 5, 2018 × Even after their dismissal, VD Philander, Q de Kock and KA Maharaj made a good contribution with their bats. Then the South African pacers struck. The ferocious bowlers too trashed the Indian top batting order in reply by taking three quick wickets and made the Indian team crawl at 28 for three at end of the day. Vernon Philander had Murali Vijay caught at gully and four balls later Dale Steyn, playing his first Test match in more than a year, caught Shikhar Dhawan. The biggest and most crucial wicket of skipper Virat Kohli was taken by Morne Morkel. He edged to wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock after making just five runs. A lot was expected from the skipper but he failed to produce results in the 1st innings of the first Test match. This is another soft dismissal which has hit Indian team hard. Kohli fell into the same trap of Morne Morkel. Yesterday was the third time when Morkel had seen Kohli off. Around 63.6 per cent of dismissals of Virat against South Africa is caught behind as he fails to judge the swing of the ball. Combination of pace and swing often stuns Kohli and the bowlers deceive him by bowling far away from the wickets. This has caused him out many times in the hands of men standing at slip position. Kohli's tendency is to play mostly in the 'V' area. But the problem comes when a ball is just short of a good length (outside off) on a sharp bouncy pitch, likewise, the pitch of Newlands. India's tour of England in 2014, is an example when in 6 out of 10 test innings he was caught out exactly the same way. With an average of 44.38, Kohli's performance is comparatively poor in away series than performances in home series. The stats reflect that Kohli is much comfortable playing in India, but in the foreign lands, his performance is affected due to adverse conditions and pitch behaviour. Despite having a wonderful overseas record in limited overs, Kohli fails to score centuries on the green pitches in Test cricket. For Example India's tour of Australia in 2014-2015, Kohli scored 4 centuries in 3 different cricket grounds but not in Brisbane, because it was the only green wicket in that series similar to the Cape Town's pitch. Not to forget Tendulkar's innings in 1992 on the tour of England when every Indian batsman was struggling to score, Sachin at such young age scored two brilliant century. Talking about the current series, Indian side needs to revamp their strategy to tackle South African.

India vs South Africa: Will Virat's jinx of not performing on green pitches to continue?

After following the Indian Cricket for close to 4 decades, one thing I can say with reasonable certainty: 2018 is going to be one of the most exciting and challenging years for Indian Test side.

&nbsp;

Let&#39;s bring instant objectivity to the discussion. India is slated to play Test series in South Africa, England and Australia during the next 365 days, which would be a serious challenge for a team which is on a dream run these days.

&nbsp;

Ever since Kohli took over the Indian Test captaincy in early 2015, he has been on an unprecedented winning spree in Test. The string of victories which started in 2015 during India&rsquo;s tour to Sri Lanka continued all through 2016 and 2017. India decimated South Africa, New Zealand and England at home. Sri Lanka was defeated both at the home and away series. The India team attained top ranking in the ICC Test ranking as well.

&nbsp;

But this does not complete the Kohli&rsquo;s crusade for sure. Kohli cannot claim the undisputed supremacy as yet. Real challenging stuff is yet to come for team India, and 2018 is the year which will provide that.

&nbsp;

With Pakistan and West Indies merely a shadow of their former glory, England, Australia and India are the only formidable Test sides. Since home Test series comes easily to India, the real challenge would be to play these three teams in their backyard. You can win a Test in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh but on green tracks in these three countries and with potent pace bowlers, the red ball becomes a different thing altogether to face.

&nbsp;

History vindicates this. India has never won a Test series in Australia and in South Africa. India&rsquo;s cricket ties with Australia and South Africa are respectively 70 and 25 years old. In England, India last won Test series in 2007 and was decimated in two Test series thereafter.

&nbsp;

Look at the few of the past bashings in Australia: there was a 4-0 and 3-0 whitewash in 2011-12 and 1999-2000 respectively. In 1991-92, there was a 4-0 defeat in five Test series. In 2003-04, India had a good time in Australia as the four Test series drew at 1-1. India registered that iconic victory at Adelaide, and with little better luck India should have ended up a winner in the series. At Melbourne during Boxing Day Test in 2003, Sehwag scored a swashbuckling ton on the opening day but, thereafter, the team imploded and lost the match. At Sydney Tendulkar scored a mammoth 241. India could have clinched the Test and series but then Steve Waugh saved it for Australia in his farewell Test match.

&nbsp;

In 2007-08, India defeated Australia in Perth but overall lost series which was mired in various controversies.

&nbsp;

Last time, India visited Australia in 2014-15, they lost the four-Test series by 2-0.

&nbsp;

In South Africa, India drew series in 2006-07 and 2010-11, but last time in 2013-14 lost by 1-0. Until 2006 Johannesburg Test, India had a total dismal show in South Africa and there was nothing to boast. At Johannesburg in 2006, Sreesanth produced one of the most spirited bowling performances and South Africa was bundled out for 84; India won the Test but failed to clinch series.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

India has one more famous victory at Durban in 2010-11. Sreesanth was again at the thick of action as he removed top three South African batsmen in the second innings but India again failed to win series.

&nbsp;

When India visited England in the summer of 2011 as newly crowned World Champion and number one Test side, England delivered the shocker to India in form of a 4-0 whitewash. Three years later in 2014, India drew the first blood by winning the second Test at Lords. Ishant Sharma created havoc with rising deliveries in the second innings. England, however, bounced back ferociously and won next three Test matches with immaculate ease. Viral Kohli failed miserably with the bat.

&nbsp;

So history suggests, Kohli may be reveling in his accomplishments over the past 2-3 years but there is no space for complacency. The real challenge is nestled in 2018 and Kohli and Indian think-tank must be well aware of it.

&nbsp;

In 2018, India though can hope for settling all those past bashings in South Africa, England and Australia essentially because of three reasons: a pool of genuinely quick and strike pace bowlers, in form batsmen, and spirited and aggressive captaincy of Kohli. Flamboyant Spinner Hardik Pandya brings further potency to the side.

&nbsp;

By the end of 2018, we would really know that how strong this Indian Test side is. If India is sitting at the top of ICC Test ranking, then 2018 will provide the ultimate endorsement of it (or rebuttal).

&nbsp;

Nonetheless, it would be roller coaster ride for a Cricket freak like me. Let&rsquo;s put the seat belt and enjoy this.

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

So history suggests, Kohli may be reveling in his accomplishments over the past 2-3 years but there is no space for complacency.

After following the Indian Cricket for close to 4 decades, one thing I can say with reasonable certainty: 2018 is going to be one of the most exciting and challenging years for Indian Test side. Let's bring instant objectivity to the discussion. India is slated to play Test series in South Africa, England and Australia during the next 365 days, which would be a serious challenge for a team which is on a dream run these days. Ever since Kohli took over the Indian Test captaincy in early 2015, he has been on an unprecedented winning spree in Test. The string of victories which started in 2015 during India’s tour to Sri Lanka continued all through 2016 and 2017. India decimated South Africa, New Zealand and England at home. Sri Lanka was defeated both at the home and away series. The India team attained top ranking in the ICC Test ranking as well. But this does not complete the Kohli’s crusade for sure. Kohli cannot claim the undisputed supremacy as yet. Real challenging stuff is yet to come for team India, and 2018 is the year which will provide that. With Pakistan and West Indies merely a shadow of their former glory, England, Australia and India are the only formidable Test sides. Since home Test series comes easily to India, the real challenge would be to play these three teams in their backyard. You can win a Test in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh but on green tracks in these three countries and with potent pace bowlers, the red ball becomes a different thing altogether to face. History vindicates this. India has never won a Test series in Australia and in South Africa. India’s cricket ties with Australia and South Africa are respectively 70 and 25 years old. In England, India last won Test series in 2007 and was decimated in two Test series thereafter. Look at the few of the past bashings in Australia: there was a 4-0 and 3-0 whitewash in 2011-12 and 1999-2000 respectively. In 1991-92, there was a 4-0 defeat in five Test series. In 2003-04, India had a good time in Australia as the four Test series drew at 1-1. India registered that iconic victory at Adelaide, and with little better luck India should have ended up a winner in the series. At Melbourne during Boxing Day Test in 2003, Sehwag scored a swashbuckling ton on the opening day but, thereafter, the team imploded and lost the match. At Sydney Tendulkar scored a mammoth 241. India could have clinched the Test and series but then Steve Waugh saved it for Australia in his farewell Test match. In 2007-08, India defeated Australia in Perth but overall lost series which was mired in various controversies. Last time, India visited Australia in 2014-15, they lost the four-Test series by 2-0. In South Africa, India drew series in 2006-07 and 2010-11, but last time in 2013-14 lost by 1-0. Until 2006 Johannesburg Test, India had a total dismal show in South Africa and there was nothing to boast. At Johannesburg in 2006, Sreesanth produced one of the most spirited bowling performances and South Africa was bundled out for 84; India won the Test but failed to clinch series. India has one more famous victory at Durban in 2010-11. Sreesanth was again at the thick of action as he removed top three South African batsmen in the second innings but India again failed to win series. When India visited England in the summer of 2011 as newly crowned World Champion and number one Test side, England delivered the shocker to India in form of a 4-0 whitewash. Three years later in 2014, India drew the first blood by winning the second Test at Lords. Ishant Sharma created havoc with rising deliveries in the second innings. England, however, bounced back ferociously and won next three Test matches with immaculate ease. Viral Kohli failed miserably with the bat. So history suggests, Kohli may be reveling in his accomplishments over the past 2-3 years but there is no space for complacency. The real challenge is nestled in 2018 and Kohli and Indian think-tank must be well aware of it. In 2018, India though can hope for settling all those past bashings in South Africa, England and Australia essentially because of three reasons: a pool of genuinely quick and strike pace bowlers, in form batsmen, and spirited and aggressive captaincy of Kohli. Flamboyant Spinner Hardik Pandya brings further potency to the side. By the end of 2018, we would really know that how strong this Indian Test side is. If India is sitting at the top of ICC Test ranking, then 2018 will provide the ultimate endorsement of it (or rebuttal). Nonetheless, it would be roller coaster ride for a Cricket freak like me. Let’s put the seat belt and enjoy this. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: Will Indian Cricket's dream run continue in Australia?

Indian cricket teams of the past have had rather unforgettable experiences on their visits to South Africa over the last many decades. In fact, since 1992, when India played their first ever Test match there, they have managed just two Test victories thus far. Despite having greats like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, Anil Kumble and Sourav Ganguly in the ranks, Team India has always found it difficult to upstage South Africa in their own den.&nbsp;

Now, as the first of the three-match series between India and South Africa is all set to commence at Cape Town, Indian fans fear the worst again.&nbsp;

However, if one has followed Indian cricket closely over the last few months, they would know that this Indian unit is not the same as the ones from the past. There is something different about this Indian team.&nbsp;

The mental toughness game

The build-up to this series has been intriguing. Team India has received a lot of flak for not spending adequate time in South Africa before the first Test. Then, South African captain Faf du Plessis himself has indicated that they have a &ldquo;score to settle&rdquo; with India.&nbsp;

Ideally, these situations might have been overwhelming for a visiting Indian side. But Virat Kohli&rsquo;s men are made of different mettle.

Ever since Kohli has taken the reins of the team from late 2014 in Australia, he has infused his energy, fearlessness and undaunted approach among the other players. This team does not the hold the scars from the many defeats of the past. This team does not reek of any negativity. They are mentally very tough, know how to play fire with fire and do not get bogged down with big names.&nbsp;

Yes, India will have to cope with Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, Kagiso Rabada and AB de Villiers. But mentally this team is very strong now. Not for nothing are they ranked the No.1 Test team in the world.&nbsp;

Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Murali Vijay and Kohli himself form the crux of the Indian batting unit and are all proven batting powerhouses who will not buckle easily.&nbsp;

India&rsquo;s bowling, meanwhile, is probably the strongest ever to have toured South Africa. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Ravichandran Ashwin have been India&rsquo;s best bowlers in the Test format in the recent past and one can expect them to make a huge difference this time around with the experience they have had.&nbsp;

Never say die attitude

While in terms of skill and form India is very good, what gives this team better chances at success on the tour to South Africa is no fear of failure. They are hungry to succeed and have tremendous belief in each others&rsquo; abilities. Virat Kohli&rsquo;s incredible mental toughness has rubbed off on the players and the coach Ravi Shastri has further helped in establishing a culture of positive intent and never say die attitude.&nbsp;

Both Kohli and Shastri have been vehemently voicing their desire for Test victories overseas for some time now. And there is no doubt that they have building the team for precisely that in these past many months.&nbsp;

The time is here and the time is now. This will be the greatest challenge Team India has faced in a long time and even though the opposition is formidable, the kind of talent India has in its ranks, along with the self-assurance and positive intent they have exhibited recently, makes one believe that they have a real chance for a historic series win this time.

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Talented, confident, and hungry for success, India is poised to win the series in Australis

Indian cricket teams of the past have had rather unforgettable experiences on their visits to South Africa over the last many decades. In fact, since 1992, when India played their first ever Test match there, they have managed just two Test victories thus far. Despite having greats like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, Anil Kumble and Sourav Ganguly in the ranks, Team India has always found it difficult to upstage South Africa in their own den. Now, as the first of the three-match series between India and South Africa is all set to commence at Cape Town, Indian fans fear the worst again. However, if one has followed Indian cricket closely over the last few months, they would know that this Indian unit is not the same as the ones from the past. There is something different about this Indian team. The mental toughness game The build-up to this series has been intriguing. Team India has received a lot of flak for not spending adequate time in South Africa before the first Test. Then, South African captain Faf du Plessis himself has indicated that they have a “score to settle” with India. Ideally, these situations might have been overwhelming for a visiting Indian side. But Virat Kohli’s men are made of different mettle. Ever since Kohli has taken the reins of the team from late 2014 in Australia, he has infused his energy, fearlessness and undaunted approach among the other players. This team does not the hold the scars from the many defeats of the past. This team does not reek of any negativity. They are mentally very tough, know how to play fire with fire and do not get bogged down with big names. Yes, India will have to cope with Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, Kagiso Rabada and AB de Villiers. But mentally this team is very strong now. Not for nothing are they ranked the No.1 Test team in the world. Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Murali Vijay and Kohli himself form the crux of the Indian batting unit and are all proven batting powerhouses who will not buckle easily. India’s bowling, meanwhile, is probably the strongest ever to have toured South Africa. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Ravichandran Ashwin have been India’s best bowlers in the Test format in the recent past and one can expect them to make a huge difference this time around with the experience they have had. Never say die attitude While in terms of skill and form India is very good, what gives this team better chances at success on the tour to South Africa is no fear of failure. They are hungry to succeed and have tremendous belief in each others’ abilities. Virat Kohli’s incredible mental toughness has rubbed off on the players and the coach Ravi Shastri has further helped in establishing a culture of positive intent and never say die attitude. Both Kohli and Shastri have been vehemently voicing their desire for Test victories overseas for some time now. And there is no doubt that they have building the team for precisely that in these past many months. The time is here and the time is now. This will be the greatest challenge Team India has faced in a long time and even though the opposition is formidable, the kind of talent India has in its ranks, along with the self-assurance and positive intent they have exhibited recently, makes one believe that they have a real chance for a historic series win this time. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion:  Mentally super tough, Virat's team is hungry to win

Virat Kohli-led Indian cricket team&nbsp;is on the top spot in the ICC Test ranking after whitewashing Sri Lanka at home but now they have to prove themselves against South Africa in the upcoming Freedom Series Trophy. It is believed that the conditions are likely to assist bounce and pace.

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Indian captain Virat Kohli said on Saturday that his Indian team have the ability to gain a first series win in South Africa.

&quot;We have the right kind of bowling attack and the right kind of balance to win Test matches in any conditions we play in,&quot; he said at the Indian team&#39;s arrival press conference.

Virat Kohli and Faf Du Plessis unveil Freedom Series Trophy in Cape Town. The first of the three Test matches start at Newlands in Cape Town on January 5th.

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1 day to go. Are you ready? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FreedomSeries?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FreedomSeries</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/3WKss7R0c5">pic.twitter.com/3WKss7R0c5</a>
&mdash; BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/948822559591575552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&quot;A lot of our players have played here before. But it&#39;s about the number of games we had played then and the number we have played now,&quot; said Kohli. &quot;We all understand our own games so much better. As a team, we have confidence in our personal skills set.&quot;

Kohli said team spirit was the outstanding feature of the touring party. &quot;There&#39;s a sense of intelligence and awareness and that provides the excitement. We know exactly what we need to do come game time. We know how to win Test matches.&quot;

Kohli said India had made the right decision to cancel a scheduled two-day warm-up match, opting instead for intensive middle-wicket practice at a local club.

Kohli said his players expected to be challenged by South Africa&#39;s fast bowlers on pitches with pace and bounce but they were confident in their own ability.

&quot;Come the fifth of January we will be ready for it,&quot; he said.

Coach Ravi Shastri said, &quot;This team is up for the challenge. If you had asked me four years ago I would have said no. But this team has gained experience. The beauty of this team is that it doesn&#39;t matter which opposition. We look at the pitch and adapt to the conditions. Every game is a home game. It&#39;s as simple as that.&quot;

&quot;This will be a contest. I can sense our players want this Test match to start as soon as possible&quot;, he added.

Line up

India: Murali Vijay, Shikhar Dhawan, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli(c), Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, Wriddhiman Saha(w), Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Parthiv Patel, Umesh Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Hardik Pandya, Lokesh Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja

South Africa: Dean Elgar, Aiden Markram, Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers, Temba Bavuma, Faf du Plessis(c), Quinton de Kock(w), Andile Phehlukwayo, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Morne Morkel, Dale Steyn, Chris Morris, Vernon Philander, Theunis de Bruyn

&nbsp;

Virat Kohli and Faf Du Plessis unveil Freedom Series Trophy in Cape Town. The first of the three Test matches start at Newlands on January 5

Virat Kohli-led Indian cricket team is on the top spot in the ICC Test ranking after whitewashing Sri Lanka at home but now they have to prove themselves against South Africa in the upcoming Freedom Series Trophy. It is believed that the conditions are likely to assist bounce and pace. × Indian captain Virat Kohli said on Saturday that his Indian team have the ability to gain a first series win in South Africa. "We have the right kind of bowling attack and the right kind of balance to win Test matches in any conditions we play in," he said at the Indian team's arrival press conference. Virat Kohli and Faf Du Plessis unveil Freedom Series Trophy in Cape Town. The first of the three Test matches start at Newlands in Cape Town on January 5th. 1 day to go. Are you ready? #FreedomSeries #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/3WKss7R0c5 — BCCI (@BCCI) January 4, 2018 × "A lot of our players have played here before. But it's about the number of games we had played then and the number we have played now," said Kohli. "We all understand our own games so much better. As a team, we have confidence in our personal skills set." Kohli said team spirit was the outstanding feature of the touring party. "There's a sense of intelligence and awareness and that provides the excitement. We know exactly what we need to do come game time. We know how to win Test matches." Kohli said India had made the right decision to cancel a scheduled two-day warm-up match, opting instead for intensive middle-wicket practice at a local club. Kohli said his players expected to be challenged by South Africa's fast bowlers on pitches with pace and bounce but they were confident in their own ability. "Come the fifth of January we will be ready for it," he said. Coach Ravi Shastri said, "This team is up for the challenge. If you had asked me four years ago I would have said no. But this team has gained experience. The beauty of this team is that it doesn't matter which opposition. We look at the pitch and adapt to the conditions. Every game is a home game. It's as simple as that." "This will be a contest. I can sense our players want this Test match to start as soon as possible", he added. Line up India: Murali Vijay, Shikhar Dhawan, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli(c), Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, Wriddhiman Saha(w), Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Parthiv Patel, Umesh Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Hardik Pandya, Lokesh Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja South Africa: Dean Elgar, Aiden Markram, Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers, Temba Bavuma, Faf du Plessis(c), Quinton de Kock(w), Andile Phehlukwayo, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Morne Morkel, Dale Steyn, Chris Morris, Vernon Philander, Theunis de Bruyn

India vs South Africa: The real 'test' for India starts at Newlands

Indian pacers produced one of their best performances in the first Test match against South Africain Newlands, Cape Town.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar took four wickets including three in his first three overs as India&#39;s bowlers gained the ascendancy on the first day of the first Test against South Africa at Newlands on Friday.

South Africa was struggling at 230 for seven at tea despite half-centuries from AB de Villiers and captain Faf du Plessis. Kumar had figures of four for 68.

Du Plessis said batting first on a well-grassed pitch was a tricky decision and a disastrous start must have reinforced his misgivings.

Kumar gained appreciable movement off a well-grassed pitch to plunge the South African innings into disarray at 12 for three.

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Innings Break! South Africa all out for 286 runs. 
 
Updates - <a href="https://t.co/XYC5wpnAmX">https://t.co/XYC5wpnAmX</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FreedomSeries?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FreedomSeries</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/XUDejWE30T">pic.twitter.com/XUDejWE30T</a>
&mdash; BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/949293909091401728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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After some spirited batting by South Africa, Kumar took another wicket shortly before tea to put the world&#39;s top-ranked Test team in a strong position against their second-placed opponents.

De Villiers and Du Plessis put on 114 for the fourth wicket, with De Villiers in sparkling form as he hit 65 off 84 balls with 11 fours.&nbsp;

He showed intent from the start of his innings, hitting four fours off Kumar?s fifth over to launch a South African counter-attack.

De Villiers missed a drive against new cap Jasprit Bumrah and was bowled. Du Plessis went on to make 62 off 104 balls with 12 fours before he was caught behind off Hardik Pandya.

Quinton de Kock (43) and Vernon Philander (23) put on a rapid 60 for the sixth wicket before De Kock was caught behind by Kumar and Philander was bowled by Mohammed Shami.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Bhuvneshwar Kumar took four wickets including three in his first three overs

Indian pacers produced one of their best performances in the first Test match against South Africain Newlands, Cape Town. Bhuvneshwar Kumar took four wickets including three in his first three overs as India's bowlers gained the ascendancy on the first day of the first Test against South Africa at Newlands on Friday. South Africa was struggling at 230 for seven at tea despite half-centuries from AB de Villiers and captain Faf du Plessis. Kumar had figures of four for 68. Du Plessis said batting first on a well-grassed pitch was a tricky decision and a disastrous start must have reinforced his misgivings. Kumar gained appreciable movement off a well-grassed pitch to plunge the South African innings into disarray at 12 for three. Innings Break! South Africa all out for 286 runs. Updates - https://t.co/XYC5wpnAmX #FreedomSeries #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/XUDejWE30T — BCCI (@BCCI) January 5, 2018 × After some spirited batting by South Africa, Kumar took another wicket shortly before tea to put the world's top-ranked Test team in a strong position against their second-placed opponents. De Villiers and Du Plessis put on 114 for the fourth wicket, with De Villiers in sparkling form as he hit 65 off 84 balls with 11 fours. He showed intent from the start of his innings, hitting four fours off Kumar?s fifth over to launch a South African counter-attack. De Villiers missed a drive against new cap Jasprit Bumrah and was bowled. Du Plessis went on to make 62 off 104 balls with 12 fours before he was caught behind off Hardik Pandya. Quinton de Kock (43) and Vernon Philander (23) put on a rapid 60 for the sixth wicket before De Kock was caught behind by Kumar and Philander was bowled by Mohammed Shami.

Watch: How South Africa stumbled on day 1

South Africa has never been a happy hunting place for Team India. Out of the 17 Tests that they have played in the country since 1992, they have managed just two victories so far.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

However, there is a distinct difference between the current Indian team and those of the past. Led by a fearless Virat Kohli, the present Indian team oozes confidence. It has in them the talent and the spirit to upstage the robust South Africans in their own den when they take them on at Cape Town on the 5th of January for the first Test of the three-match series.

&nbsp;

Aside from Kohli himself, the likes of Cheteshwar Pujara, Lokesh Rahul, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ravichandran Ashwin and Murali Vijay have been India&rsquo;s star performers in Test cricket in the recent past that has led to their rise as the No. 1 Test team in the world. The visitors would be banking on them to make a difference in the Test series against South Africa.

&nbsp;

This epic Test series is likely to be witness to some great individual performances from both sides given the amount of talent on display. As we wait for this big battle to begin, it would be the apt time to relive some of the great individual performances in India-South Africa Test history.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Virender Sehwag&rsquo;s blistering 319 bulldozes South Africa - Chennai, 2008

&nbsp;

Virender Sehwag knew only one way to bat &ndash; see the ball, hit the ball. This trait of his was especially evident in the 1st Test between India and South Africa at Chennai in 2008. Trying to overtake South Africa&rsquo;s mammoth 1st innings total of 540, the home side were led by a marauding Virender Sehwag who absolutely tore into the robust South African bowling.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Using his typical hand-eye co-ordination, Sehwag smashed every bowler with disdain to reach a career-best 319 off just 304 balls with 42 fours and 5 sixes &ndash; his second triple hundred and also the highest ever Test score by an Indian. The match ended in a draw, but Sehwag&rsquo;s sizzling knock was unforgettable.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Sachin Tendulkar smashes outstanding hundred amid ruins - Cape Town, 1997

&nbsp;

The visiting Indian side was having a torrid time on their tour to South Africa in 1996-97. After having lost the first Test, they were tottering at 5-58 in the second Test at Cape Town while trying to reach South Africa&rsquo;s massive total of 529. But then, Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar produced one of his best ever knocks to save India the blushes.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Fighting fire with fire, Sachin, along with Mohammad Azharuddin (115), took on the likes Allan Donald and Shaun Pollock and punished them in a dazzling display of batsmanship. Sachin scored a majestic 169 off 254 balls with 26 fours and it was courtesy his knock that India could manage to post 359. Unfortunately, they lost the match by 282 runs later.

&nbsp;

Daryll Cullinan&rsquo;s gallant century saves South Africa from certain defeat - Johannesburg, 1997

&nbsp;

Chasing a tough target of 356 on an uneven Wanderers pitch on the last day of the third Test against India, South Africa was looking down the barrel at 7-95. With the bowlers of the visiting Indian side showing great vigor, it was only Daryll Cullinan who stood tall among the ruins. Even as the ball moved around viciously, Cullinan displayed great character and stuck around. He punished the loose balls and kept rotating the strike with the tail. Eventually, Cullinan remained unbeaten on a terrific 122 with 15 fours and a six that helped South Africa squeeze out a nerve-wracking draw.

&nbsp;

Lance Klusener gets eight-wicket haul on debut to destroy India &ndash; Kolkata, 1996:

&nbsp;

It was a debut performance of a lifetime. After having lost the first Test at Ahmedabad, the South African side needed to come back strongly in the second Test at Kolkata on their tour to India in 1996. Their saviour turned out to be debutant Lance Klusener.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Set a colossal target of 467 for victory, the Indian innings was rocked by the sensational seam bowling effort by Klusener. Appearing in his maiden Test match, Klusener showed remarkable maturity in bowling tight lengths and extracting prodigious seam movement off the Eden Gardens pitch.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

One after the other, the Indian batsman fell to his sharp inswingers and away ones. Klusener ended with phenomenal figures of 8-64 &ndash; the best bowling figures yet in India-South Africa Tests &ndash; that shot India out for just 137 and gave South Africa a comprehensive 123-run victory.

&nbsp;

Sreesanth records magnificent five-wicket haul to give India first Test win in South Africa &ndash; Johannesburg, 2006

&nbsp;

On three previous tours and 9 Tests before 2006, the Indian team had not been able to achieve a single victory in South Africa. That changed in the very first Test of India&rsquo;s tour to South Africa in 2006-07 at Johannesburg. On a track that assisted pacers, India batted first and was bowled out for just 249. However, as they came to bowl, the visitors turned things around courtesy an absolutely majestic spell of seam bowling by S Sreesanth. Moving the ball around both ways with a fabulous seam position, Sreesanth dismantled the stable South African batting order. He recorded terrific figures of 5-40 that helped bowl the home team out for just 84 and eventually gave India a historic maiden Test victory in South Africa by 123 runs. It was a spectacular spell and will go down as one of the very best seen in the country.

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Out of the 17 Tests, Indian Team have played in the country since 1992, they have managed just two victories so far.

South Africa has never been a happy hunting place for Team India. Out of the 17 Tests that they have played in the country since 1992, they have managed just two victories so far. However, there is a distinct difference between the current Indian team and those of the past. Led by a fearless Virat Kohli, the present Indian team oozes confidence. It has in them the talent and the spirit to upstage the robust South Africans in their own den when they take them on at Cape Town on the 5th of January for the first Test of the three-match series. Aside from Kohli himself, the likes of Cheteshwar Pujara, Lokesh Rahul, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ravichandran Ashwin and Murali Vijay have been India’s star performers in Test cricket in the recent past that has led to their rise as the No. 1 Test team in the world. The visitors would be banking on them to make a difference in the Test series against South Africa. This epic Test series is likely to be witness to some great individual performances from both sides given the amount of talent on display. As we wait for this big battle to begin, it would be the apt time to relive some of the great individual performances in India-South Africa Test history. Virender Sehwag’s blistering 319 bulldozes South Africa - Chennai, 2008 Virender Sehwag knew only one way to bat – see the ball, hit the ball. This trait of his was especially evident in the 1st Test between India and South Africa at Chennai in 2008. Trying to overtake South Africa’s mammoth 1st innings total of 540, the home side were led by a marauding Virender Sehwag who absolutely tore into the robust South African bowling. Using his typical hand-eye co-ordination, Sehwag smashed every bowler with disdain to reach a career-best 319 off just 304 balls with 42 fours and 5 sixes – his second triple hundred and also the highest ever Test score by an Indian. The match ended in a draw, but Sehwag’s sizzling knock was unforgettable. Sachin Tendulkar smashes outstanding hundred amid ruins - Cape Town, 1997 The visiting Indian side was having a torrid time on their tour to South Africa in 1996-97. After having lost the first Test, they were tottering at 5-58 in the second Test at Cape Town while trying to reach South Africa’s massive total of 529. But then, Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar produced one of his best ever knocks to save India the blushes. Fighting fire with fire, Sachin, along with Mohammad Azharuddin (115), took on the likes Allan Donald and Shaun Pollock and punished them in a dazzling display of batsmanship. Sachin scored a majestic 169 off 254 balls with 26 fours and it was courtesy his knock that India could manage to post 359. Unfortunately, they lost the match by 282 runs later. Daryll Cullinan’s gallant century saves South Africa from certain defeat - Johannesburg, 1997 Chasing a tough target of 356 on an uneven Wanderers pitch on the last day of the third Test against India, South Africa was looking down the barrel at 7-95. With the bowlers of the visiting Indian side showing great vigor, it was only Daryll Cullinan who stood tall among the ruins. Even as the ball moved around viciously, Cullinan displayed great character and stuck around. He punished the loose balls and kept rotating the strike with the tail. Eventually, Cullinan remained unbeaten on a terrific 122 with 15 fours and a six that helped South Africa squeeze out a nerve-wracking draw. Lance Klusener gets eight-wicket haul on debut to destroy India – Kolkata, 1996: It was a debut performance of a lifetime. After having lost the first Test at Ahmedabad, the South African side needed to come back strongly in the second Test at Kolkata on their tour to India in 1996. Their saviour turned out to be debutant Lance Klusener. Set a colossal target of 467 for victory, the Indian innings was rocked by the sensational seam bowling effort by Klusener. Appearing in his maiden Test match, Klusener showed remarkable maturity in bowling tight lengths and extracting prodigious seam movement off the Eden Gardens pitch. One after the other, the Indian batsman fell to his sharp inswingers and away ones. Klusener ended with phenomenal figures of 8-64 – the best bowling figures yet in India-South Africa Tests – that shot India out for just 137 and gave South Africa a comprehensive 123-run victory. Sreesanth records magnificent five-wicket haul to give India first Test win in South Africa – Johannesburg, 2006 On three previous tours and 9 Tests before 2006, the Indian team had not been able to achieve a single victory in South Africa. That changed in the very first Test of India’s tour to South Africa in 2006-07 at Johannesburg. On a track that assisted pacers, India batted first and was bowled out for just 249. However, as they came to bowl, the visitors turned things around courtesy an absolutely majestic spell of seam bowling by S Sreesanth. Moving the ball around both ways with a fabulous seam position, Sreesanth dismantled the stable South African batting order. He recorded terrific figures of 5-40 that helped bowl the home team out for just 84 and eventually gave India a historic maiden Test victory in South Africa by 123 runs. It was a spectacular spell and will go down as one of the very best seen in the country. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: Why South Africa has never been a happy hunting place for Team India

The Indian cricket team is gearing up for its biggest challenge in recent times as it commences its challenging tour to South Africa this month, with the Test series set to begin at Cape Town from the 5th of January. Though India is ranked No.1 in the world in Tests at present, it will be a daunting task to take on South Africa, who is almost unvanquished at home.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

As we wait for this epic showdown between the No. 1 and No. 2 Test sides of the world, it will be a good time to look back on some of the unforgettable Test matches in the India-South Africa Test history.

&nbsp;

The first ever India-South Africa Test match took place at Durban in 1992.

India became the first international side to play a Test in South Africa since 1970 when they toured there for a 4-match series in 1992-93. The first Test of the tour &ndash; also the first ever Test between the two sides &ndash; was played at Durban and got off to a cracker off a start as Kapil Dev dismissed Jimmy Cook in the very first ball off the match. A tenacious century on debut by India&rsquo;s Praveen Amre on the bouncy Durban track was the highlight of the Test as it helped India stay alive despite the sprightly display by the South African bowlers. The match ended in an entertaining draw.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Srinath&rsquo;s heroics secures India a thrilling win at Ahmedabad in 1996.

This was a low-scoring affair that was turned on its head on the fourth day courtesy a sensational fast bowling effort by India&rsquo;s Javagal Srinath. In the first Test of South Africa&rsquo;s tour to India in late 1996, at Ahmedabad, the home team could set the visitors a target of just 170 to win after back-to-back below par performances with the bat in both their batting forays. With almost two days left to get the runs, the target looked like a cinch to the robust South African unit. However, Indian pace bowler Javagal Srinath ripped through the South African batting in a fearsome display of seam and reverse swing on a fourth-day pitch and ended up with his then career-best figures of 6-21. South Africa was dismantled for just 105 and India won a thrilling Test by 64 runs.

&nbsp;

The greatest drawn Test took place at Johannesburg in 2013.&nbsp;

This will easily go down as one of the most thrilling drawn Tests ever. Facing a mammoth target of 458 on a tricky Wanderers pitch, South Africa came within just eight runs of breaking the world record for the highest successful chase in Test history. Faf du Plessis (134) and AB de Villiers (103) set up an incredible 205-run partnership for the fifth wicket on the last day that almost took the game away from India. But as tensions mounted, some tight bowling by the Indian bowlers pulled things back and South Africa ended on 450-7. Both teams were satisfied as they fought till the very end and gave the boisterous crowd a lot to cheer about. For India, Cheteshwar Pujara&rsquo;s spunky 153 helped set the big target. And for South Africa, their ability to dominate shone again. Overall, it was an unforgettable drawn Test.

&nbsp;

India scored a historic win on a bouncy Durban pitch in 2010.&nbsp;

Considered widely as one of the bounciest tracks in the world, the visiting Indian side&rsquo;s task was cut out as they geared up to face South Africa in the second Test of their tour to the country in late 2010. The pitch was fast all right but it worked against the home side as the Indian bowlers, led by Zaheer Khan, put up a spirited display and shot South Africa out for just 131 after posting just 205 themselves in the 1st innings. A coruscating 96 by VVS Laxman in the second innings then gave India a respectable score and a lead of 302 runs. The target was tricky and on a track that was assisting pace and bounce, the South African batsmen crumpled in the last innings to give India a historic 87-run victory &ndash; only their second Test win in the country.

&nbsp;

South Africa ekes out a nerve-wracking draw at Johannesburg in 1997.&nbsp;

Although this match was drawn, it had enough drama to make it a true classic. The third and final Test of India&rsquo;s tour to South Africa, played at Johannesburg, was the visitors&rsquo; last opportunity to secure a win after being routed 2-0 in the previous two Tests. Rahul Dravid&rsquo;s resolute 148 helped India amass a solid 410 on the board in the first innings. The Test was interestingly poised after South Africa was set an imposing target of 356 in the last innings. The Indian bowlers put up a mettlesome display and had the home team reeling at 7-95 at one stage. However, rain interruptions and Daryl Cullinan&rsquo;s plucky unbeaten 122 helped South Africa eke out a nervous draw in the dying moments. Despite the result, it was a thoroughly entertaining game of cricket.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

&nbsp;

Though India is ranked No.1 in the world in Tests at present, it will be a daunting task to take on South Africa, who is almost unvanquished at home.

The Indian cricket team is gearing up for its biggest challenge in recent times as it commences its challenging tour to South Africa this month, with the Test series set to begin at Cape Town from the 5th of January. Though India is ranked No.1 in the world in Tests at present, it will be a daunting task to take on South Africa, who is almost unvanquished at home. As we wait for this epic showdown between the No. 1 and No. 2 Test sides of the world, it will be a good time to look back on some of the unforgettable Test matches in the India-South Africa Test history. The first ever India-South Africa Test match took place at Durban in 1992. India became the first international side to play a Test in South Africa since 1970 when they toured there for a 4-match series in 1992-93. The first Test of the tour – also the first ever Test between the two sides – was played at Durban and got off to a cracker off a start as Kapil Dev dismissed Jimmy Cook in the very first ball off the match. A tenacious century on debut by India’s Praveen Amre on the bouncy Durban track was the highlight of the Test as it helped India stay alive despite the sprightly display by the South African bowlers. The match ended in an entertaining draw. Srinath’s heroics secures India a thrilling win at Ahmedabad in 1996. This was a low-scoring affair that was turned on its head on the fourth day courtesy a sensational fast bowling effort by India’s Javagal Srinath. In the first Test of South Africa’s tour to India in late 1996, at Ahmedabad, the home team could set the visitors a target of just 170 to win after back-to-back below par performances with the bat in both their batting forays. With almost two days left to get the runs, the target looked like a cinch to the robust South African unit. However, Indian pace bowler Javagal Srinath ripped through the South African batting in a fearsome display of seam and reverse swing on a fourth-day pitch and ended up with his then career-best figures of 6-21. South Africa was dismantled for just 105 and India won a thrilling Test by 64 runs. The greatest drawn Test took place at Johannesburg in 2013. This will easily go down as one of the most thrilling drawn Tests ever. Facing a mammoth target of 458 on a tricky Wanderers pitch, South Africa came within just eight runs of breaking the world record for the highest successful chase in Test history. Faf du Plessis (134) and AB de Villiers (103) set up an incredible 205-run partnership for the fifth wicket on the last day that almost took the game away from India. But as tensions mounted, some tight bowling by the Indian bowlers pulled things back and South Africa ended on 450-7. Both teams were satisfied as they fought till the very end and gave the boisterous crowd a lot to cheer about. For India, Cheteshwar Pujara’s spunky 153 helped set the big target. And for South Africa, their ability to dominate shone again. Overall, it was an unforgettable drawn Test. India scored a historic win on a bouncy Durban pitch in 2010. Considered widely as one of the bounciest tracks in the world, the visiting Indian side’s task was cut out as they geared up to face South Africa in the second Test of their tour to the country in late 2010. The pitch was fast all right but it worked against the home side as the Indian bowlers, led by Zaheer Khan, put up a spirited display and shot South Africa out for just 131 after posting just 205 themselves in the 1st innings. A coruscating 96 by VVS Laxman in the second innings then gave India a respectable score and a lead of 302 runs. The target was tricky and on a track that was assisting pace and bounce, the South African batsmen crumpled in the last innings to give India a historic 87-run victory – only their second Test win in the country. South Africa ekes out a nerve-wracking draw at Johannesburg in 1997. Although this match was drawn, it had enough drama to make it a true classic. The third and final Test of India’s tour to South Africa, played at Johannesburg, was the visitors’ last opportunity to secure a win after being routed 2-0 in the previous two Tests. Rahul Dravid’s resolute 148 helped India amass a solid 410 on the board in the first innings. The Test was interestingly poised after South Africa was set an imposing target of 356 in the last innings. The Indian bowlers put up a mettlesome display and had the home team reeling at 7-95 at one stage. However, rain interruptions and Daryl Cullinan’s plucky unbeaten 122 helped South Africa eke out a nervous draw in the dying moments. Despite the result, it was a thoroughly entertaining game of cricket. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Upcoming South Africa tour is Indian cricket team's biggest challenge

Left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja on Wednesday was rushed to hospital after symptoms of viral were found.&nbsp;

According to BCCI, he had been suffering from the illness for the past two days and his involvement in the first Test, starting January 5, is not confirmed.&nbsp;

The management will take a call on the morning of the first Test in Cape Town.&nbsp;

However, batsman Shikhar Dhawan has recovered from his ankle injury and is available for selection in the first of the three-match Test series against South Africa.

Dhawan suffered the injury before the team&#39;s departure to South Africa, last week.

If Jadeja is unable to play, then skipper Virat Kohli will go in with the offspinner R Ashwin as the lone specialist spinner.

India will play three Tests in South Africa, followed by six ODIs and three Twenty20 Internationals. 
&nbsp;

The management will take a call on the morning of the first Test in Cape Town.

Left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja on Wednesday was rushed to hospital after symptoms of viral were found. According to BCCI, he had been suffering from the illness for the past two days and his involvement in the first Test, starting January 5, is not confirmed. The management will take a call on the morning of the first Test in Cape Town. However, batsman Shikhar Dhawan has recovered from his ankle injury and is available for selection in the first of the three-match Test series against South Africa. Dhawan suffered the injury before the team's departure to South Africa, last week. If Jadeja is unable to play, then skipper Virat Kohli will go in with the offspinner R Ashwin as the lone specialist spinner. India will play three Tests in South Africa, followed by six ODIs and three Twenty20 Internationals.

India vs South Africa: Shikhar Dhawan fit to play, Jadeja doubtful after flu

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