South Africa built a sizeable second-innings lead after reaching 65 for two against India at the close on day two of the opening test at Newlands on Saturday but were sweating over another potential injury blow for experienced seamer Dale Steyn.

Hashim Amla (four not out) and night-watchman Kagiso Rabada (two not out) will seek on day three to extend the home side&#39;s advantage of 142 runs with eight second innings wickets remaining after they bowled India out for 209 on a lively wicket offering plenty of assistance for the bowlers.

Steyn (2-51) left the field during the innings having bowled 17.3 overs and went for scans on a bruised heal. He was later seen limping as he came back to the ground and his participation in the rest of the match -- and the series -- is in doubt.

Steyn returned to test cricket for the match after 14 months on the sidelines with a career-threatening shoulder injury.

South Africa&#39;s Aiden Markram (34) was the first wicket to fall in their second innings, having looked fluent at the crease until he top-edged a rising delivery from Hardik Pandya (2-17) to Bhuvneshwar Kumar at a deep point.

Dean Elgar (25) was scratchy throughout his stay at the crease and became Pandya&rsquo;s second victim when he edged to wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha.

Pandya earlier ensured India stayed in the contest with a brilliant, fighting 93 from 95 balls, including 14 fours and a six as he alone provided resistance to the venomous home attack.

The all-rounder had watched as his side slipped to 92 for seven but instead of playing for survival, Pandya took to the attack against the South African seamers.

He had his fair share of luck, dropped at gully by Elgar off Steyn when he had 15 and then providing a stumping chance for wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock that was spurned.

Having been roughed up by a barrage of short-pitch bowling from the excellent Rabada (3-34), the latter ended Pandya&rsquo;s stay at the wicket as he induced an edge to De Kock.

The rest of the batsmen found it difficult to score against the fast, accurate home bowling.

Cheteshwar Pujara led a stout rearguard of a different kind in the morning session, reaching 26 from 91 balls at lunch, but was out first ball after the interval as he edged a Vernon Philander (3-33) delivery to Faf du Plessis at second slip.

Kumar (25) was the only other India player to get past 20 before he nicked a Morne Morkel (2-57) delivery to De Kock.

South Africa host India in three tests this month with the next two to be played in Pretoria and Johannesburg.

Hashim Amla (four not out) and night-watchman Kagiso Rabada (two not out) will seek on day three to extend the home side's advantage of 142 runs with eight second innings wickets remaining after they bowled India out for 209

South Africa built a sizeable second-innings lead after reaching 65 for two against India at the close on day two of the opening test at Newlands on Saturday but were sweating over another potential injury blow for experienced seamer Dale Steyn. Hashim Amla (four not out) and night-watchman Kagiso Rabada (two not out) will seek on day three to extend the home side's advantage of 142 runs with eight second innings wickets remaining after they bowled India out for 209 on a lively wicket offering plenty of assistance for the bowlers. Steyn (2-51) left the field during the innings having bowled 17.3 overs and went for scans on a bruised heal. He was later seen limping as he came back to the ground and his participation in the rest of the match -- and the series -- is in doubt. Steyn returned to test cricket for the match after 14 months on the sidelines with a career-threatening shoulder injury. South Africa's Aiden Markram (34) was the first wicket to fall in their second innings, having looked fluent at the crease until he top-edged a rising delivery from Hardik Pandya (2-17) to Bhuvneshwar Kumar at a deep point. Dean Elgar (25) was scratchy throughout his stay at the crease and became Pandya’s second victim when he edged to wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha. Pandya earlier ensured India stayed in the contest with a brilliant, fighting 93 from 95 balls, including 14 fours and a six as he alone provided resistance to the venomous home attack. The all-rounder had watched as his side slipped to 92 for seven but instead of playing for survival, Pandya took to the attack against the South African seamers. He had his fair share of luck, dropped at gully by Elgar off Steyn when he had 15 and then providing a stumping chance for wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock that was spurned. Having been roughed up by a barrage of short-pitch bowling from the excellent Rabada (3-34), the latter ended Pandya’s stay at the wicket as he induced an edge to De Kock. The rest of the batsmen found it difficult to score against the fast, accurate home bowling. Cheteshwar Pujara led a stout rearguard of a different kind in the morning session, reaching 26 from 91 balls at lunch, but was out first ball after the interval as he edged a Vernon Philander (3-33) delivery to Faf du Plessis at second slip. Kumar (25) was the only other India player to get past 20 before he nicked a Morne Morkel (2-57) delivery to De Kock. South Africa host India in three tests this month with the next two to be played in Pretoria and Johannesburg.

South Africa gain advantage over India, Pandya emerges a star

The &quot;genius&quot; of AB de Villiers and a ferocious onslaught from South Africa&#39;s fast bowlers changed the course of the first day of the first Test against India at Newlands on Friday.

India started the day like the world champions they are according to the Test rankings, but their nearest challengers finished on top, with India staggering at 28 for three at the close -- losing skipper Virat Kohli for just five -- after bowling out the hosts for 286.

It was a remarkable turnaround after South Africa had been reduced to 12 for three by Bhuvneshwar Kumar inside the first half hour.

&quot;They are a quality bowling attack and at that stage, I was sitting there wondering how we were going to score a run,&quot; said South African batting coach Dale Benkenstein.

He didn&#39;t have to wonder for long.&nbsp;

Counter-attacking batting, led by aggressive half-centuries by De Villiers and captain Faf du Plessis, and some wayward bowling by India enabled South Africa to make a reasonable total on a lively pitch before the South African fast bowlers struck.

Benkenstein praised &quot;the class and genius of AB de Villiers and the tenacity of the captain&quot;.

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&#39;s fifth over.

&quot;That one over from AB changed the game,&quot; said Benkenstein. &quot;He made the bowlers worry about their lengths. That partnership got us back in the game and brought belief back in the change room.&quot;

Gave away runs

Kumar, who took wickets in each of his first three overs, finished with four for 87 and conceded more than four runs an over as did fellow seamers, new cap Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya.&nbsp;

Only Mohammed Shami was economical, taking one for 47 in 16 overs.

&quot;We gave away 25 or 30 too many runs,&quot; said Kumar, who acknowledged the game-changing ability of De Villiers.&nbsp;

&quot;When AB bats you know you have to bowl well. In some overs, we gave away too many boundaries.&quot;

Kumar said India would have to bat well on Saturday but said he felt the match was evenly poised.

Benkenstein, though, said South Africa were &quot;very happy&quot; after their four-man pace attack was unleashed for the last 51 minutes of play.

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 off his own bowling when Dhawan&#39;s attempted pull steepled high into the air.

The biggest prize fell to Morne Morkel, who came on as first change and produced a sharply-lifting delivery which Indian captain Virat Kohli edged to wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock after making just five.

Du Plessis said batting first on a well-grassed pitch was a &quot;tricky decision&quot; and his side&#39;s start must have reinforced his misgivings.

Kumar gained appreciable movement off a well-grassed pitch to plunge the South African innings into deep trouble.

Dean Elgar, South Africa&#39;s leading batsman during 2017, edged the third ball of the match to be caught behind by Wriddhiman Saha for nought.&nbsp;

His opening partner, Aiden Markram, fell in Kumar&#39;s next over, leg before wicket for five, before Hashim Amla, on three, edged an attempted back foot drive and gave Saha a second catch.

Saha finished with five catches behind the stumps.

But the rest of the South African batting proved resilient. The De Villiers-Du Plessis partnership was followed by a sixth wicket stand of 60 off 54 balls from Quinton de Kock and Philander, and there were useful contributions from the tailenders.

&quot;Those runs down the order in tough conditions were vital,&quot; said Benkenstein.

The 'genius' of AB de Villiers and a ferocious onslaught from South Africa's fast bowlers changed the course of the first day of the first Test against India at Newlands on Friday

The "genius" of AB de Villiers and a ferocious onslaught from South Africa's fast bowlers changed the course of the first day of the first Test against India at Newlands on Friday. India started the day like the world champions they are according to the Test rankings, but their nearest challengers finished on top, with India staggering at 28 for three at the close -- losing skipper Virat Kohli for just five -- after bowling out the hosts for 286. It was a remarkable turnaround after South Africa had been reduced to 12 for three by Bhuvneshwar Kumar inside the first half hour. "They are a quality bowling attack and at that stage, I was sitting there wondering how we were going to score a run," said South African batting coach Dale Benkenstein. He didn't have to wonder for long. Counter-attacking batting, led by aggressive half-centuries by De Villiers and captain Faf du Plessis, and some wayward bowling by India enabled South Africa to make a reasonable total on a lively pitch before the South African fast bowlers struck. Benkenstein praised "the class and genius of AB de Villiers and the tenacity of the captain". 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. "That one over from AB changed the game," said Benkenstein. "He made the bowlers worry about their lengths. That partnership got us back in the game and brought belief back in the change room." Gave away runs Kumar, who took wickets in each of his first three overs, finished with four for 87 and conceded more than four runs an over as did fellow seamers, new cap Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya. Only Mohammed Shami was economical, taking one for 47 in 16 overs. "We gave away 25 or 30 too many runs," said Kumar, who acknowledged the game-changing ability of De Villiers. "When AB bats you know you have to bowl well. In some overs, we gave away too many boundaries." Kumar said India would have to bat well on Saturday but said he felt the match was evenly poised. Benkenstein, though, said South Africa were "very happy" after their four-man pace attack was unleashed for the last 51 minutes of play. 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 off his own bowling when Dhawan's attempted pull steepled high into the air. The biggest prize fell to Morne Morkel, who came on as first change and produced a sharply-lifting delivery which Indian captain Virat Kohli edged to wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock after making just five. Du Plessis said batting first on a well-grassed pitch was a "tricky decision" and his side's start must have reinforced his misgivings. Kumar gained appreciable movement off a well-grassed pitch to plunge the South African innings into deep trouble. Dean Elgar, South Africa's leading batsman during 2017, edged the third ball of the match to be caught behind by Wriddhiman Saha for nought. His opening partner, Aiden Markram, fell in Kumar's next over, leg before wicket for five, before Hashim Amla, on three, edged an attempted back foot drive and gave Saha a second catch. Saha finished with five catches behind the stumps. But the rest of the South African batting proved resilient. The De Villiers-Du Plessis partnership was followed by a sixth wicket stand of 60 off 54 balls from Quinton de Kock and Philander, and there were useful contributions from the tailenders. "Those runs down the order in tough conditions were vital," said Benkenstein.

Cricket: South Africa hail 'genius' of De Villiers

All-rounder Hardik Pandya has once again proved his mettle by scoring a blistering 93 runs in the first innings of the first test match between India and South Africa.

The batsman-bowler contributed with his bat especially at a time when the Indian side was drowning at 92/7 after lunch.&nbsp;

Along with Pandya is bowler Bhubaneshwar Kumar, who is standing shoulder to shoulder with him on the crease.&nbsp;

After India managed to score 76 runs for the loss of four wickets at lunch, hopes were pinned on&nbsp;Cheteshwar Pujara&nbsp;and&nbsp;Ravichandran Ashwin.

The two, who were playing a slow but tough game against the South African seamers&nbsp;threw their wickets for nothing shot.

While Pujara left the ground on the first ball after the lunch, Ashwin too followed after standing on the crease for not over 15 minutes.&nbsp;

Pujara scored 26 off 92 balls and Ashwin managed to make 12 or 31 balls. Both gave away their wicket to Philander.

India batted out the first hour with diligence, but they didn&#39;t add many, with just 48 runs for the loss of a wicket, that of Rohit Sharma at lunch.

South Africa didn&#39;t give them an inch, they were accurate and quick.

The Indian cricket team on Saturday resumed their battle against the South Africa seamers after ending the day 1 of the first test match at 28 for the loss of three wickets.

With South Africa&#39;s bowling being of top quality, Indians have a lot to do but it won&#39;t be an easy task.

Kagiso Rabada has struck for his team and gave them the much-needed breakthrough after sending Rohit Sharma back to the pavilion.

Rohit, who scored 11 runs, even reviewed after discussing it with partner Pujara, but it went in vain.&nbsp;

Now, with loss of four wickets, their task would be to see off the next two hours without any further losses, making sure the scorecard keeps ticking.

Ravichandran Ashwin, who came to the crease, has to support Pujara in order to build a strong partnership.&nbsp;

Yesterday, the South African seamers trashed the top Indian batting order by taking three major wickets including both the openers Murali Vijay, Shikhar Dhawan and skipper Virat Kohli. 
&nbsp;

The batsman-bowler contributed with his bat when the Indian side was drowning at 92/7 after lunch

All-rounder Hardik Pandya has once again proved his mettle by scoring a blistering 93 runs in the first innings of the first test match between India and South Africa. The batsman-bowler contributed with his bat especially at a time when the Indian side was drowning at 92/7 after lunch. Along with Pandya is bowler Bhubaneshwar Kumar, who is standing shoulder to shoulder with him on the crease. After India managed to score 76 runs for the loss of four wickets at lunch, hopes were pinned on Cheteshwar Pujara and Ravichandran Ashwin. The two, who were playing a slow but tough game against the South African seamers threw their wickets for nothing shot. While Pujara left the ground on the first ball after the lunch, Ashwin too followed after standing on the crease for not over 15 minutes. Pujara scored 26 off 92 balls and Ashwin managed to make 12 or 31 balls. Both gave away their wicket to Philander. India batted out the first hour with diligence, but they didn't add many, with just 48 runs for the loss of a wicket, that of Rohit Sharma at lunch. South Africa didn't give them an inch, they were accurate and quick. The Indian cricket team on Saturday resumed their battle against the South Africa seamers after ending the day 1 of the first test match at 28 for the loss of three wickets. With South Africa's bowling being of top quality, Indians have a lot to do but it won't be an easy task. Kagiso Rabada has struck for his team and gave them the much-needed breakthrough after sending Rohit Sharma back to the pavilion. Rohit, who scored 11 runs, even reviewed after discussing it with partner Pujara, but it went in vain. Now, with loss of four wickets, their task would be to see off the next two hours without any further losses, making sure the scorecard keeps ticking. Ravichandran Ashwin, who came to the crease, has to support Pujara in order to build a strong partnership. Yesterday, the South African seamers trashed the top Indian batting order by taking three major wickets including both the openers Murali Vijay, Shikhar Dhawan and skipper Virat Kohli.

Hardik Pandya misses century after giving wicket at 93, India 200/9 after 70 overs

A passenger train in South Africa caught fire after colliding with a truck, leaving at least 18 dead and around 268 injured on Thursday.&nbsp;

The train, which was carrying 700 passengers, derailed from its track after crashing into the truck and burst into flames.&nbsp;

The collision occurred near Kroonstad city in Free State province and also damaged power lines.&nbsp;

The emergency services rushed to the scene and battled the blaze on the train, which had been travelling from the coastal city of Port Elizabeth to the commercial capital, Johannesburg.

Officials said the truck driver allegedly tried to cross the tracks just ahead of the oncoming train, part of which burst into flames after the collision, trapping some passengers in carriages.

&ldquo;I have been briefed that the accident was the result of a truck that was driving through a level crossing... You can see for yourself the truck driver was taking chances,&rdquo; Transport Minister Joe Maswanganyi said the train said on the news channel of national broadcaster SABC.

According to media reports, some bodies were severely burnt and could not be recognized.&nbsp;

The driver of the truck escaped but was later arrested by the police, reports said.&nbsp;

South Africa has the continent&rsquo;s largest railway network, but it has been plagued by mismanagement and under-investment that has seen train use dwindle despite it being the cheapest from of public transportation.

The train, which was carrying 700 passengers, derailed from its track after crashing into the truck and burst into flames near Kroonstad city in Free State province

A passenger train in South Africa caught fire after colliding with a truck, leaving at least 18 dead and around 268 injured on Thursday. The train, which was carrying 700 passengers, derailed from its track after crashing into the truck and burst into flames. The collision occurred near Kroonstad city in Free State province and also damaged power lines. The emergency services rushed to the scene and battled the blaze on the train, which had been travelling from the coastal city of Port Elizabeth to the commercial capital, Johannesburg. Officials said the truck driver allegedly tried to cross the tracks just ahead of the oncoming train, part of which burst into flames after the collision, trapping some passengers in carriages. “I have been briefed that the accident was the result of a truck that was driving through a level crossing... You can see for yourself the truck driver was taking chances,” Transport Minister Joe Maswanganyi said the train said on the news channel of national broadcaster SABC. According to media reports, some bodies were severely burnt and could not be recognized. The driver of the truck escaped but was later arrested by the police, reports said. South Africa has the continent’s largest railway network, but it has been plagued by mismanagement and under-investment that has seen train use dwindle despite it being the cheapest from of public transportation.

At least 18 dead and hundreds injured in South Africa train crash

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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&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

India bowlers are going extra miles to prove their abilities even in adverse conditions. As the day goes on, the South African side is falling apart one by one.

It seemed that the shocker start did not hamper much the middle order batting of South Africa as AB de Villiers and captain Faf du Plessis looked comfortable with the bat even after the failure of the top order but Indian pacers hit soon.

When both the players were trying to give a rhythm then Jasprit Bumrah took&nbsp;AB de Villiers&#39; wicket. He&nbsp;contributed 65 runs of 84 for his team but could not stay longer on the pitch as stunning Bumrah got him with a full length&nbsp;around off stump delivery. ABD looked positive throughout his innings but the South African &#39;stars&#39;&nbsp;are not shining brightly in the first Test match.

Soon after that, in 35th over, Pandya got another important wicket. He took the skipper on a short ball and&nbsp;Saha caught it behind the stumps. A&nbsp;poor and unnecessary shot by Faf du Plessis made him walk to the pavilion after scoring 62 runs.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/sa-vs-india-bhuveneshwar-strikes-early-28618">India vs South Africa Live Updates: F du Plessis falls to Pandya, South Africa in trouble</a>

South Africa won the toss and elected&nbsp;to&nbsp;bat first in the first match of Freedom Series&nbsp;Trophy.&nbsp;As the pitch demanded, Virat Kohli attacked with four pacers Hardik Pandya, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar to tackle the Proteas.

India struck early as in-form&nbsp;Bhuvneshwar Kumar shattered&nbsp;the top batting order of South Africa.

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At Lunch on Day 1 of the 1st Test, South Africa are 107/3. 
 
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/jcMetQ5vPK">pic.twitter.com/jcMetQ5vPK</a>
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India&#39;s gamble of playing with four fast bowlers paid off as&nbsp;Bhuvneshwar send the opening batsman Dean Elgar and Aiden Markram back to pavilion also he took the crucial&nbsp;wicket off&nbsp;Hashim Amla.

South Africa was reduced to 12/3 in the first few minutes of the game at Newlands, Cape Town.

&nbsp;

Jasprit Bumrah took?AB de Villiers' wicket whereas Pandya got captain's wicket

India bowlers are going extra miles to prove their abilities even in adverse conditions. As the day goes on, the South African side is falling apart one by one. It seemed that the shocker start did not hamper much the middle order batting of South Africa as AB de Villiers and captain Faf du Plessis looked comfortable with the bat even after the failure of the top order but Indian pacers hit soon. When both the players were trying to give a rhythm then Jasprit Bumrah took AB de Villiers' wicket. He contributed 65 runs of 84 for his team but could not stay longer on the pitch as stunning Bumrah got him with a full length around off stump delivery. ABD looked positive throughout his innings but the South African 'stars' are not shining brightly in the first Test match. Soon after that, in 35th over, Pandya got another important wicket. He took the skipper on a short ball and Saha caught it behind the stumps. A poor and unnecessary shot by Faf du Plessis made him walk to the pavilion after scoring 62 runs. India vs South Africa Live Updates: F du Plessis falls to Pandya, South Africa in trouble South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first in the first match of Freedom Series Trophy. As the pitch demanded, Virat Kohli attacked with four pacers Hardik Pandya, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar to tackle the Proteas. India struck early as in-form Bhuvneshwar Kumar shattered the top batting order of South Africa. At Lunch on Day 1 of the 1st Test, South Africa are 107/3. UPDATES - https://t.co/XYC5wpnAmX #FreedomSeries #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/jcMetQ5vPK — BCCI (@BCCI) January 5, 2018 × India's gamble of playing with four fast bowlers paid off as Bhuvneshwar send the opening batsman Dean Elgar and Aiden Markram back to pavilion also he took the crucial wicket off Hashim Amla. South Africa was reduced to 12/3 in the first few minutes of the game at Newlands, Cape Town.

1st Test: Indian pacers destroy South African batting order

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>
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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 hit back at the end of Day-1 picking up openers Dhawan and Vijay in quick succession including captain Kohli after being shot out for 286 in the Newlands Test on Friday.

Ravichandran Ashwin picked up the last wicket&nbsp;South African wicket as Indian pacers kept the hosts on the backfoot throughout the day.

Mohammed Shami bowled a beauty to dismiss Philander ending the day with two wickets having taken Maharaj&#39;s wicket earlier.

Shami&#39;s inswinger bowled Philander as South Africa were reduced to 230/7 post-tea.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar struck in the 45th over of the day dismissing Quinton de Kock for 43 as South Africa lost their sixth wicket&nbsp;at Newlands.

Kumar&#39;s strike took his tally to four wickets as South Africa struggled to 206/6.

Earlier, Pandya took the vital wicket of&nbsp;F du Plessis as India took a stranglehold of the first Test.

South Africa were reduced to 160/5 after&nbsp;F du Plessis nicked an edge to keeper Saha with the hosts unable to cope with the Indian pace attack.

Bumrah stuck after lunch on the first day in the 33rd over bowling out South African captain de Villiers to take his maiden Test wicket as India kept the hosts on the backfoot at Newlands.

Captain AB de Villiers and Faf du Plessis held their nerves after Bhuvneshwar Kumar ran through the South African top order before lunch on the first day.

In-form&nbsp;Indian bowler Bhuvaneshawar Kumar struck in successive overs taking the wicket of Markram lbw for just 5 as South Africa were reduced to 12 for 3 in the first few minutes of the Test match.

The Indian swing bowler stuck in the next over taking the prized wicket of Amla as he edged to the keeper for just 3.&nbsp;

India&#39;s gamble of playing 4 fast bowlers paid off as&nbsp;Bhuveneshwar struck in the third ball of the match taking the wicket of Elgar caught behind by&nbsp;Wriddhiman Saha.

AB de Villiers and Faf du Plessis battled their way to take South Africa to 107/3 at lunch.&nbsp;de Villiers led from the front remaining unbeaten on 59 in just 65 balls hitting 11 boundaries with&nbsp;Plessis giving him company at the other end batting on 37 which contained seven strikes to the fence.

Earlier, South Africa won the toss and opted to&nbsp;bat first. India is set ready to tackle the Proteas with four pacers Hardik Pandya, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuveneshwar Kumar&nbsp;and one spinner Ravichandran Aswin.

India&#39;s gamble of playing 4 fast bowlers paid off as&nbsp;Bhuveneshwar struck in the third ball of the match taking the wicket of Elgar caught behind by&nbsp;Wriddhiman Saha.

Ajinkya Rahane, Ishant Sharma,&nbsp;Parthiv Patel,&nbsp;Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Lokesh Rahul has been dropped out for the game and Ravindra Jadeja continues to recover from flu.

Jaspiprit Bumrah is making his Test debut. He has proved himself with the ball in the limited overs,&nbsp;especially in death overs. He is quite comfortable in taking pressure which is much needed in today&#39;s game.

South Africa is not known for producing spin-friendly tracks. Indian pacers must&nbsp;create enough rough&nbsp;on the Newlands pitch for R Ashwin to save runs.&nbsp;

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South Africa wins the toss. Elects to bat first in the 1st Test at Cape Town <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/lFkTJMVNpb">pic.twitter.com/lFkTJMVNpb</a>
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On the other hand, South Africa will open with&nbsp;&nbsp;Dean Elgar and Aiden Markram. Snubbing all the rumours regarding injuries,&nbsp;Dale Steyn is in playing XI where Temba Bavuma is dropped for the first Test match.

The playing XI:

South Africa: Dean Elgar, Aiden Markram, Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers, Faf du Plessis, Quinton de Kock, Vernon Philander, Keshav Maharaj, Dale Steyn, Kagiso Rabada, Morne Morkel

India: Shikhar Dhawan, Murali Vijay, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Wriddhiman Saha, Hardik Pandya, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah

&nbsp;

India is set ready to tackle the Proteas with four pacers Hardik Pandya, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuveneshwar Kumar?and one spinner Ravichandran Aswin

South Africa hit back at the end of Day-1 picking up openers Dhawan and Vijay in quick succession including captain Kohli after being shot out for 286 in the Newlands Test on Friday. Ravichandran Ashwin picked up the last wicket South African wicket as Indian pacers kept the hosts on the backfoot throughout the day. Mohammed Shami bowled a beauty to dismiss Philander ending the day with two wickets having taken Maharaj's wicket earlier. Shami's inswinger bowled Philander as South Africa were reduced to 230/7 post-tea. Bhuvneshwar Kumar struck in the 45th over of the day dismissing Quinton de Kock for 43 as South Africa lost their sixth wicket at Newlands. Kumar's strike took his tally to four wickets as South Africa struggled to 206/6. Earlier, Pandya took the vital wicket of F du Plessis as India took a stranglehold of the first Test. South Africa were reduced to 160/5 after F du Plessis nicked an edge to keeper Saha with the hosts unable to cope with the Indian pace attack. Bumrah stuck after lunch on the first day in the 33rd over bowling out South African captain de Villiers to take his maiden Test wicket as India kept the hosts on the backfoot at Newlands. Captain AB de Villiers and Faf du Plessis held their nerves after Bhuvneshwar Kumar ran through the South African top order before lunch on the first day. In-form Indian bowler Bhuvaneshawar Kumar struck in successive overs taking the wicket of Markram lbw for just 5 as South Africa were reduced to 12 for 3 in the first few minutes of the Test match. The Indian swing bowler stuck in the next over taking the prized wicket of Amla as he edged to the keeper for just 3. India's gamble of playing 4 fast bowlers paid off as Bhuveneshwar struck in the third ball of the match taking the wicket of Elgar caught behind by Wriddhiman Saha. AB de Villiers and Faf du Plessis battled their way to take South Africa to 107/3 at lunch. de Villiers led from the front remaining unbeaten on 59 in just 65 balls hitting 11 boundaries with Plessis giving him company at the other end batting on 37 which contained seven strikes to the fence. Earlier, South Africa won the toss and opted to bat first. India is set ready to tackle the Proteas with four pacers Hardik Pandya, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuveneshwar Kumar and one spinner Ravichandran Aswin. India's gamble of playing 4 fast bowlers paid off as Bhuveneshwar struck in the third ball of the match taking the wicket of Elgar caught behind by Wriddhiman Saha. Ajinkya Rahane, Ishant Sharma, Parthiv Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Lokesh Rahul has been dropped out for the game and Ravindra Jadeja continues to recover from flu. Jaspiprit Bumrah is making his Test debut. He has proved himself with the ball in the limited overs, especially in death overs. He is quite comfortable in taking pressure which is much needed in today's game. South Africa is not known for producing spin-friendly tracks. Indian pacers must create enough rough on the Newlands pitch for R Ashwin to save runs. South Africa wins the toss. Elects to bat first in the 1st Test at Cape Town #FreedomSeries #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/lFkTJMVNpb — BCCI (@BCCI) January 5, 2018 × On the other hand, South Africa will open with Dean Elgar and Aiden Markram. Snubbing all the rumours regarding injuries, Dale Steyn is in playing XI where Temba Bavuma is dropped for the first Test match. The playing XI: South Africa: Dean Elgar, Aiden Markram, Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers, Faf du Plessis, Quinton de Kock, Vernon Philander, Keshav Maharaj, Dale Steyn, Kagiso Rabada, Morne Morkel India: Shikhar Dhawan, Murali Vijay, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Wriddhiman Saha, Hardik Pandya, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah

1st Test: South Africa 286 all out, India lose three quick wickets 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

South Africa is not known for producing spin-friendly tracks and that&#39;s why Sachin Tendulkar wants Indian pacers to create &quot;enough rough&quot; on the Newlands pitch for R Ashwin, something that Zaheer Khan did for Harbhajan Singh in 2010-11.

India will play the opening Test in Cape Town starting on Friday, and Tendulkar recalled how that pitch was made conducive for Harbhajan by the Zaheer-led Indian pace attack.

&quot;During the Cape Town Test of 2010-11, Harbhajan got seven wickets in the second innings (7/120 in 38 overs). Zaheer and Lonwabo Tsotsobe being left-armers created enough rough. Ishant and Sreesanth also came round the wicket and the rough helped when Bhajji bowled to right-handers,&quot; Tendulkar recollected during an exclusive interview with PTI.

The maestro wants a repeat of the teamwork from the current pace battery. &quot;The conditions will be more challenging for Ashwin and the wicket may be a bit damp. But our Indian pacers will need to help Ashwin by creating enough rough for him,&quot; Tendulkar explained.

The legend has high expectations from Virat Kohli&#39;s men as they have the luxury to play three fast bowlers, apart from an all-rounder like Hardik Pandya, who is very much in the mix.

&quot;This time, we have the luxury of playing three fast bowlers plus a fourth pace bowling all-rounder (Pandya), who can bowl at 138-140 kmph and also bat effectively at No 7 or 8. Hardik has done it in Sri Lanka.

&quot;In my 24-year career, I never had the luxury of the fourth fast bowler who is an all-rounder. Of course, we had Kapil Dev and Manoj Prabhakar but they were among the top three pacers,&quot; Tendulkar said.

&quot;In 2010-11, we played some really good cricket and should have won the Cape Town Test had Harbhajan got some support from the other end. Then Kallis and Boucher also had a good partnership (103 runs),&quot; he remembered.

There is still some debate on whether the Indian team management should play Rohit Sharma as the extra batsman or go with the belief that Pandya has good enough technique to survive the second new ball batting at No 6, a position that VVS Laxman had made his own for a decade.

Tendulkar made it clear that it is a decision of the team management and he will never compare one player with another.

&quot;That&#39;s a big call (Hardik or Rohit) but I would not like to comment on who should be playing. It depends on the team management, what kind of track is being provided, how much grass is on offer. There are a lot of factors and sitting here, I shouldn&#39;t be making a comment,&quot; Tendulkar said.

 
Similarly, he did not wish to comment on who between KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan should open with Murali Vijay.

&quot;All these boys are very close to me. I am in touch with all of them, they discuss their cricket with me and it is not fair on my part to give my opinion on who should play and who should not. I have never liked comparisons,&quot; said international cricket&#39;s highest-ever run-getter.

Tendulkar has watched Jasprit Bumrah from close quarters growing into a potent white-ball bowler at the Mumbai Indians and is confident that he would do well as and when he gets a chance in Tests.

&quot;He (Bumrah) is a bright prospect. He is sharp and got the temperament to the highest level. But then Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav and Bhuvneshwar Kumar have been regular members for some time. So we will have to assess that,&quot; the 43-year-old said.

Tendulkar&#39;s duel with Dale Steyn during the Cape Town Test of 2010-11 is a part of cricketing folklore and the legend termed it the most challenging track on which he had played.

&quot;The Cape Town pitch of the 2010-11 was the most challenging track. I remember while fielding, I told Rahul Dravid that this was a proper seaming track. You never felt settled even after scoring runs. You had to play on the rise,&quot; said Tendulkar.

Asked about the secret of success for batsmen on challenging tracks, Tendulkar referred to his double hundred in Sydney, where he was an epitome of patience not hitting a single cover drive till he got to the double ton.

&quot;The Australian pacers during that innings were bowling straight and into the wicketkeeper&#39;s gloves. I told myself, &#39;Good, you people want to bowl where you want, I would wait and make you bowl, where I want&#39;,&quot; he recalled.

&quot;A good batting line-up is the one which makes a bowling unit bowl where they want to. Each wicket has a certain character where you should know which shots to play and which ones not to,&quot; he elaborated.

But is it that easy? &quot;Not exactly easy but that&#39;s what you work hard for. There will be days when you would let your instincts take a call and days when your mind takes a call,&quot; he signed off.

&nbsp;

Sachin's master class for India team for the upcoming test series against South Africa

South Africa is not known for producing spin-friendly tracks and that's why Sachin Tendulkar wants Indian pacers to create "enough rough" on the Newlands pitch for R Ashwin, something that Zaheer Khan did for Harbhajan Singh in 2010-11. India will play the opening Test in Cape Town starting on Friday, and Tendulkar recalled how that pitch was made conducive for Harbhajan by the Zaheer-led Indian pace attack. "During the Cape Town Test of 2010-11, Harbhajan got seven wickets in the second innings (7/120 in 38 overs). Zaheer and Lonwabo Tsotsobe being left-armers created enough rough. Ishant and Sreesanth also came round the wicket and the rough helped when Bhajji bowled to right-handers," Tendulkar recollected during an exclusive interview with PTI. The maestro wants a repeat of the teamwork from the current pace battery. "The conditions will be more challenging for Ashwin and the wicket may be a bit damp. But our Indian pacers will need to help Ashwin by creating enough rough for him," Tendulkar explained. The legend has high expectations from Virat Kohli's men as they have the luxury to play three fast bowlers, apart from an all-rounder like Hardik Pandya, who is very much in the mix. "This time, we have the luxury of playing three fast bowlers plus a fourth pace bowling all-rounder (Pandya), who can bowl at 138-140 kmph and also bat effectively at No 7 or 8. Hardik has done it in Sri Lanka. "In my 24-year career, I never had the luxury of the fourth fast bowler who is an all-rounder. Of course, we had Kapil Dev and Manoj Prabhakar but they were among the top three pacers," Tendulkar said. "In 2010-11, we played some really good cricket and should have won the Cape Town Test had Harbhajan got some support from the other end. Then Kallis and Boucher also had a good partnership (103 runs)," he remembered. There is still some debate on whether the Indian team management should play Rohit Sharma as the extra batsman or go with the belief that Pandya has good enough technique to survive the second new ball batting at No 6, a position that VVS Laxman had made his own for a decade. Tendulkar made it clear that it is a decision of the team management and he will never compare one player with another. "That's a big call (Hardik or Rohit) but I would not like to comment on who should be playing. It depends on the team management, what kind of track is being provided, how much grass is on offer. There are a lot of factors and sitting here, I shouldn't be making a comment," Tendulkar said. Similarly, he did not wish to comment on who between KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan should open with Murali Vijay. "All these boys are very close to me. I am in touch with all of them, they discuss their cricket with me and it is not fair on my part to give my opinion on who should play and who should not. I have never liked comparisons," said international cricket's highest-ever run-getter. Tendulkar has watched Jasprit Bumrah from close quarters growing into a potent white-ball bowler at the Mumbai Indians and is confident that he would do well as and when he gets a chance in Tests. "He (Bumrah) is a bright prospect. He is sharp and got the temperament to the highest level. But then Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav and Bhuvneshwar Kumar have been regular members for some time. So we will have to assess that," the 43-year-old said. Tendulkar's duel with Dale Steyn during the Cape Town Test of 2010-11 is a part of cricketing folklore and the legend termed it the most challenging track on which he had played. "The Cape Town pitch of the 2010-11 was the most challenging track. I remember while fielding, I told Rahul Dravid that this was a proper seaming track. You never felt settled even after scoring runs. You had to play on the rise," said Tendulkar. Asked about the secret of success for batsmen on challenging tracks, Tendulkar referred to his double hundred in Sydney, where he was an epitome of patience not hitting a single cover drive till he got to the double ton. "The Australian pacers during that innings were bowling straight and into the wicketkeeper's gloves. I told myself, 'Good, you people want to bowl where you want, I would wait and make you bowl, where I want'," he recalled. "A good batting line-up is the one which makes a bowling unit bowl where they want to. Each wicket has a certain character where you should know which shots to play and which ones not to," he elaborated. But is it that easy? "Not exactly easy but that's what you work hard for. There will be days when you would let your instincts take a call and days when your mind takes a call," he signed off.

Pacers need to help spinners in South Africa, says Tendulkar

Ever since the news of their intimate wedding in Italy came out, fans of Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma have been obsessing over every minute details of their favourite couple and sharing it on social media. After hosting two gala receptions in Delhi and Mumbai, the newlyweds are now in South Africa spending some quality time before Virat along with the Indian cricket team begins the series against South Africa. Anushka too will head home where she will resume work on the sets of Zero. &nbsp;

Virushka though spent an afternoon recently in Cape Town meeting Akshay Kumar. The superstar has been in South Africa since Christmas along with his family and even celebrated wife Twinkle Khanna&#39;s birthday there.

Virushka and Khiladi Kumar were seen chatting at a restaurant. Picture of the meeting was shared on Instagram by one of the fan clubs of the newlyweds.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BddL-VYFMIk/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Virushka having lunch with @akshaykumar at #Capetown. Who took this picture??? . Follow @virushkafans for more!! . #akshaykumar #virushka #viratkohli #anushka #anushkasharma #captain #bollywood #mahirat #martialarts #lunch #cricket #glamour</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/virushkafans/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Virat ?? Anushka</a> (@virushkafans) on <time datetime="2018-01-02T17:49:17+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Jan 2, 2018 at 9:49am PST</time>
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While Akshay has been sharing posts from his vacation on Instagram, Virat and Anushka&#39;s fans have been keeping the rest of the world updated about their activities.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BdeN6V5Fcyb/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Good morning everyone. Cutipie @anushkasharma mam looks busy in her smartphone in Capetown. Post Time - 08:55 Date - 3rd January #virat #kohli #anushka #sharma #vk #cheeku #anu #nuskie #virushka #virushkaforever #viirushkaislife #virushkaisworld #virushkaslays #virushkalove #virushkafanpage #virushkafanpages #bestcouple #cricket #cricketer #bollywood #superstar #handsome #hunk #beauty #queen #virushkakishaadi #VirushkaKiWedding #virushkaweddingreception</a>

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&nbsp;

Ever since the news of their intimate wedding in Italy came out, fans of Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma have been obsessing over every minute details of their favourite couple and sharing it on social media. After hosting two gala receptions in Delhi and Mumbai, the newlyweds are now in South Africa spending some quality time before Virat along with the Indian cricket team begins the series against South Africa. Anushka too will head home where she will resume work on the sets of Zero. Virushka though spent an afternoon recently in Cape Town meeting Akshay Kumar. The superstar has been in South Africa since Christmas along with his family and even celebrated wife Twinkle Khanna's birthday there. Virushka and Khiladi Kumar were seen chatting at a restaurant. Picture of the meeting was shared on Instagram by one of the fan clubs of the newlyweds. Virushka having lunch with @akshaykumar at #Capetown. Who took this picture??? . Follow @virushkafans for more!! . #akshaykumar #virushka #viratkohli #anushka #anushkasharma #captain #bollywood #mahirat #martialarts #lunch #cricket #glamour A post shared by Virat ?? Anushka (@virushkafans) on Jan 2, 2018 at 9:49am PST × #runmachine #dhoni #rohitsharma #mahi #srk #varundhawan #shikhardhawan #bhuvi #viratian ##viratkohlifanpage #virushka #rcb #indianteam #india #anushkasharma #kritisanon A post shared by King kohli ka deewana (@virat_the.run.machine_kohli) on Jan 2, 2018 at 10:33am PST × While Akshay has been sharing posts from his vacation on Instagram, Virat and Anushka's fans have been keeping the rest of the world updated about their activities. #runmachine #dhoni #rohitsharma #mahi #srk #varundhawan #shikhardhawan #bhuvi #viratian ##viratkohlifanpage #virushka #rcb #indianteam #india #anushkasharma #kritisanon A post shared by King kohli ka deewana (@virat_the.run.machine_kohli) on Jan 2, 2018 at 10:38am PST × Good morning everyone. Cutipie @anushkasharma mam looks busy in her smartphone in Capetown. Post Time - 08:55 Date - 3rd January #virat #kohli #anushka #sharma #vk #cheeku #anu #nuskie #virushka #virushkaforever #viirushkaislife #virushkaisworld #virushkaslays #virushkalove #virushkafanpage #virushkafanpages #bestcouple #cricket #cricketer #bollywood #superstar #handsome #hunk #beauty #queen #virushkakishaadi #VirushkaKiWedding #virushkaweddingreception A post shared by virushkafanpage (@virushkafanpage) on Jan 2, 2018 at 7:25pm PST × Deep blue sea and skies to match, long conversations and fishing for a catch :) A post shared by Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) on Dec 26, 2017 at 4:44am PST × Forever making every ride full of adventure and amusement, my favourite companion...for life! Happy birthday, Tina ?? A post shared by Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) on Dec 28, 2017 at 7:54pm PST ×

Look who Virat Kohli and Anushka Kohli met in South Africa

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

Cheteshwar Pujara, a vital cog in India&#39;s batting wheel, today stressed on the importance of leaving the ball on the bouncy pitches of South Africa during the three-Test series beginning here on Friday.

India lost the series 0-1 on the previous tour of South Africa four years ago but Pujara was amongst the runs alongside Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane.

&quot;It is important to leave the ball well, especially overseas. Once you move out of Asia, there is enough bounce in the pitches and that is the reason one should be able to leave the ball,&quot; said Pujara after a practice session here.

The gritty 29-year-old has gained valuable experience from his two trips to South Africa, and goes into his third series here in a positive frame of mind.

&quot;It (the adjustment) is both technical and mental. The good thing is that most of the players have been here before. Personally, I have been here twice (2010-11 and 2013-14). It is about knowing your game, knowing the conditions and you just need to apply yourself.&quot;

India arrived here four days ago and go into the first Test without playing a warm-up match.

Asked if the players feel rusty, Pujara replied in the negative.

&quot;See, when we were playing at home against Sri Lanka, we had the South Africa series in our minds. We had prepared few things even in India. I don&#39;t think we are in any rush, there is plenty of time to prepare.&quot;

Indian batsmen struggled in the Sri Lanka series when they played on bowling friendly tracks in Kolkata and Dharamsala.

The moving ball is not so much a factor in South Africa, it is the bounce.

&quot;Yes, there will be some bounce and that is always a challenge. But this time we have have enough preparation and we would like to back ourselves and try and execute the things which we have done over the past one and a half months.&quot;

Pujara said majority of the squad members have played here and that experience will come handy.

&quot;I think the experience is most important. You know what to expect from the pitch, what to expect from the opposition. Nothing can match the experience of scoring on such pitches. You know what you want to do as a batsman and even as a team,&quot; said India&#39;s number three.

The team has been training intensely at the Western Province Cricket Club. Pujara was pleased with the preparation so far.

&quot;Preparation has been fantastic. We have had three net session so far and twice we had two sessions in a day. We are very confident of our chances,&quot; he said adding the team is determined to win their maiden series in South Africa.

Considering the unusual drought Cape Town is experiencing, the Newlands pitch might not get the amount of water needed to have a fast and bouncy track over five days.

However, Pujara is not losing sleep over the kind of pitches Indian batsmen will get to play on.

&quot;We are not bothered about the kind of pitches they will prepare. We will just try to focus on our processes. We have a clear gameplan, if it is a flat wicket or a grassy one,&quot; he said.

He refused to speak on the opposition&#39;s strengths and weaknesses, saying his team is well balanced for the challenge.

&quot;It is up to South Africa how they want to prepare. It doesn&#39;t matter who plays for them. As a unit we are well prepared. Our pace attack is also much better this time. They are quick. We have that advantage this time,&quot; said Pujara.

India have picked five specialist pacers for the series with all-rounder Hardik Pandya being the sixth fast bowing option.

Pujara backed the pace department to do the job for the team.

&quot;I can mention the Australia Test series at home. Our pacers picked so many wickets even though the pitches were flat. There will be lot of assistance here and I am sure they have made their gameplans by now.&quot;

India will also tour England and Australia over the next 18 months, giving the current team a great opportunity to become one of the greatest Indian sides of all time. Pujara acknowledged that prospect.

&quot;Yes, we have that opportunity. If we do well here and in England and Australia. We have a team which can dominate overseas and it will be one of the best teams India have ever had (if we do well in South Africa, England and Australia),&quot; he added.

India lost the series 0-1 on the previous tour of South Africa four years ago

Cheteshwar Pujara, a vital cog in India's batting wheel, today stressed on the importance of leaving the ball on the bouncy pitches of South Africa during the three-Test series beginning here on Friday. India lost the series 0-1 on the previous tour of South Africa four years ago but Pujara was amongst the runs alongside Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane. "It is important to leave the ball well, especially overseas. Once you move out of Asia, there is enough bounce in the pitches and that is the reason one should be able to leave the ball," said Pujara after a practice session here. The gritty 29-year-old has gained valuable experience from his two trips to South Africa, and goes into his third series here in a positive frame of mind. "It (the adjustment) is both technical and mental. The good thing is that most of the players have been here before. Personally, I have been here twice (2010-11 and 2013-14). It is about knowing your game, knowing the conditions and you just need to apply yourself." India arrived here four days ago and go into the first Test without playing a warm-up match. Asked if the players feel rusty, Pujara replied in the negative. "See, when we were playing at home against Sri Lanka, we had the South Africa series in our minds. We had prepared few things even in India. I don't think we are in any rush, there is plenty of time to prepare." Indian batsmen struggled in the Sri Lanka series when they played on bowling friendly tracks in Kolkata and Dharamsala. The moving ball is not so much a factor in South Africa, it is the bounce. "Yes, there will be some bounce and that is always a challenge. But this time we have have enough preparation and we would like to back ourselves and try and execute the things which we have done over the past one and a half months." Pujara said majority of the squad members have played here and that experience will come handy. "I think the experience is most important. You know what to expect from the pitch, what to expect from the opposition. Nothing can match the experience of scoring on such pitches. You know what you want to do as a batsman and even as a team," said India's number three. The team has been training intensely at the Western Province Cricket Club. Pujara was pleased with the preparation so far. "Preparation has been fantastic. We have had three net session so far and twice we had two sessions in a day. We are very confident of our chances," he said adding the team is determined to win their maiden series in South Africa. Considering the unusual drought Cape Town is experiencing, the Newlands pitch might not get the amount of water needed to have a fast and bouncy track over five days. However, Pujara is not losing sleep over the kind of pitches Indian batsmen will get to play on. "We are not bothered about the kind of pitches they will prepare. We will just try to focus on our processes. We have a clear gameplan, if it is a flat wicket or a grassy one," he said. He refused to speak on the opposition's strengths and weaknesses, saying his team is well balanced for the challenge. "It is up to South Africa how they want to prepare. It doesn't matter who plays for them. As a unit we are well prepared. Our pace attack is also much better this time. They are quick. We have that advantage this time," said Pujara. India have picked five specialist pacers for the series with all-rounder Hardik Pandya being the sixth fast bowing option. Pujara backed the pace department to do the job for the team. "I can mention the Australia Test series at home. Our pacers picked so many wickets even though the pitches were flat. There will be lot of assistance here and I am sure they have made their gameplans by now." India will also tour England and Australia over the next 18 months, giving the current team a great opportunity to become one of the greatest Indian sides of all time. Pujara acknowledged that prospect. "Yes, we have that opportunity. If we do well here and in England and Australia. We have a team which can dominate overseas and it will be one of the best teams India have ever had (if we do well in South Africa, England and Australia)," he added.

It is important to leave the ball well: Cheteshwar Pujara on SA challenge

South African Tennis player Kevin Anderson won the 10th edition of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship on Saturday.&nbsp;

Anderson was in imperious form as he defeated Spain&#39;s world number 20 Roberto Bautista Agut 6-4, 7-6 (7/0) in the final at the International Tennis Center at Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi.&nbsp;

With this achievement, the 2017 US Open runner-up has thus become only the fourth player after Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic to win the title.

&quot;It feels great to win a tournament that has been played for 10 years and has such great champions in the past,&quot; Anderson said.

&quot;I have set big goals for myself and this is a good start towards that. I can definitely take the confidence from here to my next few tournaments,&quot; he added.&nbsp;

The world number 14 played three matches in the six-man exhibition tournament and won all of them in straight sets. 
&nbsp;

Anderson was in imperious form as he defeated Roberto Bautista Agut 6-4, 7-6 (7/0) in the final

South African Tennis player Kevin Anderson won the 10th edition of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship on Saturday. Anderson was in imperious form as he defeated Spain's world number 20 Roberto Bautista Agut 6-4, 7-6 (7/0) in the final at the International Tennis Center at Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi. With this achievement, the 2017 US Open runner-up has thus become only the fourth player after Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic to win the title. "It feels great to win a tournament that has been played for 10 years and has such great champions in the past," Anderson said. "I have set big goals for myself and this is a good start towards that. I can definitely take the confidence from here to my next few tournaments," he added. The world number 14 played three matches in the six-man exhibition tournament and won all of them in straight sets.

Tennis player Kevin Anderson wins Abu Dhabi exhibition

Indian captain Virat Kohli said on Saturday that his Indian team had 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`s arrival press conference.

The first of the three Test matches starts at Newlands on Friday.

Kohli baulked, though, when it was suggested his team had a chance to make history.&nbsp;

&quot;For us it is about winning sessions, being in the present, executing our skills well, not looking at the history of a particular country we are playing in.&quot;

With 13 of his 17-man squad veterans of India`s 2013/14 tour, Kohli said there was plenty of experience.

&quot;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,&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`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.

&quot;There`s no point in wasting two days, guys going in and scoring quick fifties,&quot; said Kohli. &quot;We`d rather have them do two sessions like today. We can try and prepare the wickets the way we want them.

If you are playing a game there is no room to change the wicket. Here you have the freedom to put more water on the wicket, roll it and make it harder so that tomorrow we have the conditions we want.&quot;

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.&nbsp;

&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 in 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.&quot;

Shastri added: &quot;This will be a contest. I can sense our players want this Test match to start as soon as possible.&quot;

Kohli said the team spirit was the outstanding feature of the touring party

Indian captain Virat Kohli said on Saturday that his Indian team had 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. The first of the three Test matches starts at Newlands on Friday. Kohli baulked, though, when it was suggested his team had a chance to make history. "For us it is about winning sessions, being in the present, executing our skills well, not looking at the history of a particular country we are playing in." With 13 of his 17-man squad veterans of India`s 2013/14 tour, Kohli said there was plenty of experience. "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. "There`s no point in wasting two days, guys going in and scoring quick fifties," said Kohli. "We`d rather have them do two sessions like today. We can try and prepare the wickets the way we want them. If you are playing a game there is no room to change the wicket. Here you have the freedom to put more water on the wicket, roll it and make it harder so that tomorrow we have the conditions we want." 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 in 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." Shastri added: "This will be a contest. I can sense our players want this Test match to start as soon as possible."

Team has ability to win series in South Africa, believes Virat Kohli

After the Indian cricketer took to Twitter, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/cricket/shikhar-dhawan-slams-airline-for-not-allowing-his-family-onboard-28076">slamming Emirates airline&nbsp;for causing inconvenience to his family</a>, the airlines issued an official statement.

Emirates stated that all passengers must adhere to the travelling regulations of the countries in which the airline operates.

The statement noted that passengers must carry relevant documents while travelling abroad.&nbsp;

&quot;Since 1 June 2015, according to South African regulations, anyone travelling to the country with a minor under 18 needs to prove parenthood or guardianship - while adults travelling alone with their children need to show that they have the consent of their non-travelling partner,&quot; Emirates noted in an official response.

&quot;Like all airlines, we must comply with the laws of every country in which we operate and this is a shared responsibility with passengers, who are required to hold valid travel documents for all countries on their itinerary,&quot; the statement further read.

The 32-year-old opening batsman tweeted and complained that his wife and child were not allowed aboard at the Dubai airport.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
We&#39;re sorry to hear this, Shikhar. We&#39;d like to find out more on a private message. Please include your booking reference or e-ticket numbers starting in 176. <a href="https://t.co/67ooSY3Pnf">https://t.co/67ooSY3Pnf</a>
&mdash; Emirates Support (@EmiratesSupport) <a href="https://twitter.com/EmiratesSupport/status/946665505276026880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&quot;Absolutely unprofessional from @emirates. Was on my way 2 SA with my fam &amp; was told that my wife and kids can&#39;t board the flight from Dubai to SA. Was asked to produce birth certificates &amp; other documents for my kids at the airport which we obviously didn&#39;t have at that moment,&quot; he tweeted.&nbsp;

Dhawan was travelling to South Africa along with his family for Team India&#39;s 56-day tour of South Africa.

India will play a series of three Tests, six ODIs and three T20s against South Africa.&nbsp;

The first Test match will be played on January 5 in Cape Town.

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

The statement noted that all passengers must carry relevant documents while travelling abroad

After the Indian cricketer took to Twitter, slamming Emirates airline for causing inconvenience to his family, the airlines issued an official statement. Emirates stated that all passengers must adhere to the travelling regulations of the countries in which the airline operates. The statement noted that passengers must carry relevant documents while travelling abroad. "Since 1 June 2015, according to South African regulations, anyone travelling to the country with a minor under 18 needs to prove parenthood or guardianship - while adults travelling alone with their children need to show that they have the consent of their non-travelling partner," Emirates noted in an official response. "Like all airlines, we must comply with the laws of every country in which we operate and this is a shared responsibility with passengers, who are required to hold valid travel documents for all countries on their itinerary," the statement further read. The 32-year-old opening batsman tweeted and complained that his wife and child were not allowed aboard at the Dubai airport. We're sorry to hear this, Shikhar. We'd like to find out more on a private message. Please include your booking reference or e-ticket numbers starting in 176. https://t.co/67ooSY3Pnf — Emirates Support (@EmiratesSupport) December 29, 2017 × "Absolutely unprofessional from @emirates. Was on my way 2 SA with my fam & was told that my wife and kids can't board the flight from Dubai to SA. Was asked to produce birth certificates & other documents for my kids at the airport which we obviously didn't have at that moment," he tweeted. Dhawan was travelling to South Africa along with his family for Team India's 56-day tour of South Africa. India will play a series of three Tests, six ODIs and three T20s against South Africa. The first Test match will be played on January 5 in Cape Town. (With inputs from ANI)

Emirates airline gives befitting reply to disgruntled Shikhar Dhawan

Shortly after the Indian cricket team arrived in South Africa, Shikhar Dhawan took to Twitter expressing his distress over &quot;unprofessional from @emirates&quot;.

Dhawan was travelling to South Africa along with his family for Team India&#39;s 56-day tour of South Africa.

According to the tweet, Dhawan&#39;s wife and kids were asked to produce their birth certificates &amp; other documents at the airport and were not allowed to board the flight to South Africa from the Dubai airport.&nbsp;

Disgruntled with the whole incident, the 32-year-old opening batsman noted that his family had to stay back at the Dubai&nbsp;airport.

&quot;Why didn&#39;t @emirates notify about such a situation when we were boarding the plane from Mumbai? One of the emirates&#39; employee was being rude for no reason at all,&quot; he tweeted.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
2/2.They are now at Dubai airport waiting for the documents to arrive. Why didn&#39;t <a href="https://twitter.com/emirates?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@emirates</a> notify about such a situation when we were boarding the plane from Mumbai? One of the emirates&#39; employee was being rude for no reason at all.
&mdash; Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) <a href="https://twitter.com/SDhawan25/status/946660632547549189?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2017</a></blockquote>
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In an apology to Shikhar Dhawan, Emirates Support tweeted, &quot;We&#39;re sorry to hear this, Shikhar. We&#39;d like to find out more on a private message. Please include your booking reference or e-ticket numbers starting in 176.&quot;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
We&#39;re sorry to hear this, Shikhar. We&#39;d like to find out more on a private message. Please include your booking reference or e-ticket numbers starting in 176. <a href="https://t.co/67ooSY3Pnf">https://t.co/67ooSY3Pnf</a>
&mdash; Emirates Support (@EmiratesSupport) <a href="https://twitter.com/EmiratesSupport/status/946665505276026880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2017</a></blockquote>
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India is all set to play against South Africa in a series of three Tests, six ODIs and three T20s.

The tournament will begin with the first Test match on January 5 in Cape Town.

Dhawan was travelling to South Africa along with his family for Team India's 56-day tour of South Africa

Shortly after the Indian cricket team arrived in South Africa, Shikhar Dhawan took to Twitter expressing his distress over "unprofessional from @emirates". Dhawan was travelling to South Africa along with his family for Team India's 56-day tour of South Africa. According to the tweet, Dhawan's wife and kids were asked to produce their birth certificates & other documents at the airport and were not allowed to board the flight to South Africa from the Dubai airport. Disgruntled with the whole incident, the 32-year-old opening batsman noted that his family had to stay back at the Dubai airport. "Why didn't @emirates notify about such a situation when we were boarding the plane from Mumbai? One of the emirates' employee was being rude for no reason at all," he tweeted. 2/2.They are now at Dubai airport waiting for the documents to arrive. Why didn't @emirates notify about such a situation when we were boarding the plane from Mumbai? One of the emirates' employee was being rude for no reason at all. — Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) December 29, 2017 × In an apology to Shikhar Dhawan, Emirates Support tweeted, "We're sorry to hear this, Shikhar. We'd like to find out more on a private message. Please include your booking reference or e-ticket numbers starting in 176." We're sorry to hear this, Shikhar. We'd like to find out more on a private message. Please include your booking reference or e-ticket numbers starting in 176. https://t.co/67ooSY3Pnf — Emirates Support (@EmiratesSupport) December 29, 2017 × India is all set to play against South Africa in a series of three Tests, six ODIs and three T20s. The tournament will begin with the first Test match on January 5 in Cape Town.

Shikhar Dhawan slams airline for not allowing his family onboard

Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli who recently got married to Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma is ready for the upcoming South African tour.&nbsp;

After hosting a lavish <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/virat-kohli-and-anushka-sharma-look-regal-at-their-mumbai-reception-27793" target="_blank">wedding reception part</a>y for the who&#39;s who of the Indian celebrity circle in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/first-pictures-from-virushkas-reception-620" target="_blank">Delhi</a> and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pictures-virat-kohli-and-anushka-sharmas-mumbai-reception-624" target="_blank">Mumbai</a>, Virat on Wednesday spoke about his preparations for the South African series which includes three Tests, six One-Day&nbsp;Internationals (ODI) and three Twenty20 Internationals.&nbsp;

Speaking to the media, Virat said, &quot;You need to play cricket for a long period of time to win abroad. The hunger this time is the same. We want to do what we couldn&rsquo;t the last time around,&rdquo; said Kohli, hours before the team&rsquo;s flight to South Africa.

&ldquo;Cricket is played with bat and ball. Conditions don&rsquo;t matter. I have no doubt in the ability of the team. We are on the right track&quot;, he added.&nbsp;

When asked how difficult it would be for him to return to cricket post-marriage, Virat replied, &quot;Not difficult at all, I was away for something (marriage) which is much more important. That is a period that will always remain special for both of us.&quot;

Before dropping out of limited-overs series against Sri Lanka to get married to longtime-girlfriend Anushka Sharma on December 11 in a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-virushka-from-the-wedding-ceremony-26503" target="_blank">private ceremony</a> in Tuscany, Italy, Virat was seen&nbsp;playing in his top form. He scored&nbsp;610 runs in the three-Test series against Sri Lanka before leaving for wedding break.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-watch-timeline-of-virat-and-anushkas-love-story-26531" target="_blank">Also Watch: Timeline of Virat and Anushka&#39;s love story</a>

He added,&nbsp;&quot;Switching back to cricket is not difficult at all because it is in my blood like it is for every other team member and the team management as well, so getting back to professional front is not difficult at all.&quot;

Virat also spoke about his focus on cricket even though he was busy with wedding celebrations. He said,&nbsp;&quot;I haven&#39;t done anything in the past three weeks. I have been training to get back to play in South Africa. Somewhere in your head you are always thinking about you have something important coming up, so subconsciously you are looking forward to it (South Africa tour). So, mentally I am very well prepared.&quot;

While Virat was on a break, Rohit Sharma led the team and led India to win both&nbsp;ODIs and T20s against Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

Virat with his bride Anushka is now headed to South Africa&nbsp;for a tough tour where India plays three Tests starting January 5.

&nbsp;

The Indian cricket captain had opted out of the limited-overs series against Sri Lanka to get married to longtime-girlfriend Anushka Sharma

Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli who recently got married to Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma is ready for the upcoming South African tour. After hosting a lavish wedding reception party for the who's who of the Indian celebrity circle in Delhi and Mumbai, Virat on Wednesday spoke about his preparations for the South African series which includes three Tests, six One-Day Internationals (ODI) and three Twenty20 Internationals. Speaking to the media, Virat said, "You need to play cricket for a long period of time to win abroad. The hunger this time is the same. We want to do what we couldn’t the last time around,” said Kohli, hours before the team’s flight to South Africa. “Cricket is played with bat and ball. Conditions don’t matter. I have no doubt in the ability of the team. We are on the right track", he added. When asked how difficult it would be for him to return to cricket post-marriage, Virat replied, "Not difficult at all, I was away for something (marriage) which is much more important. That is a period that will always remain special for both of us." Before dropping out of limited-overs series against Sri Lanka to get married to longtime-girlfriend Anushka Sharma on December 11 in a private ceremony in Tuscany, Italy, Virat was seen playing in his top form. He scored 610 runs in the three-Test series against Sri Lanka before leaving for wedding break. Also Watch: Timeline of Virat and Anushka's love story He added, "Switching back to cricket is not difficult at all because it is in my blood like it is for every other team member and the team management as well, so getting back to professional front is not difficult at all." Virat also spoke about his focus on cricket even though he was busy with wedding celebrations. He said, "I haven't done anything in the past three weeks. I have been training to get back to play in South Africa. Somewhere in your head you are always thinking about you have something important coming up, so subconsciously you are looking forward to it (South Africa tour). So, mentally I am very well prepared." While Virat was on a break, Rohit Sharma led the team and led India to win both ODIs and T20s against Sri Lanka. Virat with his bride Anushka is now headed to South Africa for a tough tour where India plays three Tests starting January 5.

Virat Kohli: Getting married was much more important (than cricket)

Zimbabwe was bowled out twice on Wednesday as South Africa swept to an easy victory by an innings and 120 runs as the inaugural four-day test finished inside two days at St George&#39;s Park.

Zimbabwe was dismissed for 68 runs in their first innings and then 121 in their follow-on in reply to South Africa&#39;s 309-9 declared.

The one-off test ended inside five sessions as the gulf in ability between the two neighbours was cruelly exposed.

Morne Morkel was the destroyer-in-chief in Zimbabwe&#39;s first innings with figures of 5-21, as nightwatchman Kyle Jarvis top scored with 23 off 50 balls. Debutant Ryan Burl, who added 16, was the only other Zimbabwean batsman to get to double figures.

Zimbabwe, who are bottom of the 10-team test rankings, started the second day reeling on 30-4 after being put into bat for the last hour of the first day of the first day-night test played in South Africa and struggled with the pink ball in unfamiliar conditions.

They did show some resistance at the start of their second innings but once their first wicket fell on 51, when Chamu Chibhabha was caught behind, there followed a steady procession of batsmen to the crease as Keshav Maharaj took 5-59 and Andile Phehlukwayo returned figures of 3-13.

All Zimbabwe&#39;s second innings wickets fell in a single session between the tea and dinner break. Craig Ervine was their top second innings scorer with 23 runs.

South Africa won the toss and batted first on Tuesday with Aiden Markram scoring 125 and AB de Villiers 53 on his return to the test arena after a hiatus of almost two years.

The four-day test is the first since the International Cricket Council tweaked regulations to give some of the weaker nations a more sporting chance, in the wake of Afghanistan and Ireland being granted test status.

The one-off game against Zimbabwe was also supposed to provide the home team with preparation for their three-test series against top ranked side India, which begins next week.

But it was much more of a one-sided contest than originally expected and will have provided neither side with any meaningful experience.

Zimbabwe was bowled out twice on Wednesday as South Africa swept to an easy victory by an innings and 120 runs

Zimbabwe was bowled out twice on Wednesday as South Africa swept to an easy victory by an innings and 120 runs as the inaugural four-day test finished inside two days at St George's Park. Zimbabwe was dismissed for 68 runs in their first innings and then 121 in their follow-on in reply to South Africa's 309-9 declared. The one-off test ended inside five sessions as the gulf in ability between the two neighbours was cruelly exposed. Morne Morkel was the destroyer-in-chief in Zimbabwe's first innings with figures of 5-21, as nightwatchman Kyle Jarvis top scored with 23 off 50 balls. Debutant Ryan Burl, who added 16, was the only other Zimbabwean batsman to get to double figures. Zimbabwe, who are bottom of the 10-team test rankings, started the second day reeling on 30-4 after being put into bat for the last hour of the first day of the first day-night test played in South Africa and struggled with the pink ball in unfamiliar conditions. They did show some resistance at the start of their second innings but once their first wicket fell on 51, when Chamu Chibhabha was caught behind, there followed a steady procession of batsmen to the crease as Keshav Maharaj took 5-59 and Andile Phehlukwayo returned figures of 3-13. All Zimbabwe's second innings wickets fell in a single session between the tea and dinner break. Craig Ervine was their top second innings scorer with 23 runs. South Africa won the toss and batted first on Tuesday with Aiden Markram scoring 125 and AB de Villiers 53 on his return to the test arena after a hiatus of almost two years. The four-day test is the first since the International Cricket Council tweaked regulations to give some of the weaker nations a more sporting chance, in the wake of Afghanistan and Ireland being granted test status. The one-off game against Zimbabwe was also supposed to provide the home team with preparation for their three-test series against top ranked side India, which begins next week. But it was much more of a one-sided contest than originally expected and will have provided neither side with any meaningful experience.

South Africa beat Zimbabwe by an innings and 120 runs

As India is all set to depart for South Africa today, skipper Virat Kohli believes the team is on the right track.&nbsp;

Kohli said he is happy for the boys that they will be able to walk around without being hassled.

&quot;I&#39;m really happy for the boys that they will be able to walk around without being hassled. I think we need to connect with normal life. We are on the right track, all we need to do is not focus on it too much. The cricket will take of care of itself automatically.&quot;

India signed 2017 off with a spectacular 3-0 T20I whitewash against Sri Lanka.

The team brought to an end a dominant calendar year where they won 37 international matches, second only to Australia&#39;s record of 38 such wins 14 years ago.

Starting January 5, India will play a series of three Tests, six ODIs and 3 T20Is against South Africa.&nbsp;

The first test will be beginning in Cape Town, the second Test is scheduled to be played in Centurion from January 13. The last match of the series will be played at Johannesburg from January 24.

Thereafter, the two teams will be engaged in a six-match One-day International and three-game T20 International series in February.

Kohli said he is happy for the boys that they will be able to walk around without being hassled

As India is all set to depart for South Africa today, skipper Virat Kohli believes the team is on the right track. Kohli said he is happy for the boys that they will be able to walk around without being hassled. "I'm really happy for the boys that they will be able to walk around without being hassled. I think we need to connect with normal life. We are on the right track, all we need to do is not focus on it too much. The cricket will take of care of itself automatically." India signed 2017 off with a spectacular 3-0 T20I whitewash against Sri Lanka. The team brought to an end a dominant calendar year where they won 37 international matches, second only to Australia's record of 38 such wins 14 years ago. Starting January 5, India will play a series of three Tests, six ODIs and 3 T20Is against South Africa. The first test will be beginning in Cape Town, the second Test is scheduled to be played in Centurion from January 13. The last match of the series will be played at Johannesburg from January 24. Thereafter, the two teams will be engaged in a six-match One-day International and three-game T20 International series in February.

India vs South Africa: 'We are on the right track', says Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli&#39;s India head for a gruelling tour of South Africa on Wednesday looking for a record-breaking tenth straight Test series triumph, but they will have to overcome a reputation for being bad travellers.

India, who beat New Zealand, England and Australia in a powerful home season to consolidate their number one Test ranking, celebrated their last major away victory in 2008-2009 when they beat the Kiwis 1-0 in a three-Test series.

&quot;Looking forward to the South Africa tour, it&#39;s going to be a different challenge,&quot; said Rohit Sharma, who captained the Indian limited-overs side in Kohli&#39;s recent absence.

&quot;But I want to reiterate about our home season, it&#39;s never easy to beat anyone. We were challenged at different times and we came back.&quot;

Overseas success against weakened West Indies and Sri Lanka sides in the past two years, and India&#39;s invincibility at home, has led pundits to back Kohli&#39;s side to put up a strong challenge to South Africa, who are second in the Test rankings and have never lost to India at home.

India will play three Tests, six one-day internationals and three Twenty20 matches during the two-month tour. The series begins with the first Test in Cape Town on January 5.

&quot;They had a very good 2017. They have to carry on with the good work overseas also, away from Asia. At any given time you cannot sit on your past laurels,&quot; former captain Bishan Singh Bedi told AFP.

&quot;To prove it to yourself, not to the world, that you are worthy of the number one position. It&#39;s not easy to get there but even more difficult to stay there,&quot; the ex-spinner added.

Apart from hosts Australia losing to South Africa 2-1 in 2016-2017, and visiting England beating the Proteas in 2015-2016, the top Test-playing nations have enjoyed hegemony on home turf.

The Indians once labelled &quot;tigers at home and lambs abroad&quot; in Test cricket, have a chance of breaking new ground in South Africa&#39;s den.

&quot;Most teams are doing well at home and struggling overseas. So this is an opportunity for India to move away from the pack,&quot; veteran sports journalist Ayaz Memon told AFP.

&quot;South Africa lost badly to India when they came here in 2015. India may have won the odd Test but they have never won a series in South Africa and Australia,&quot; he added.

India are pinning their hopes on the pace quartet of Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma and Bhuvneshwar Kumar to make an impact on fast-paced South African tracks.

The fast bowlers played a significant role during India&#39;s 1-0 win over Sri Lanka as they equalled Australia&#39;s record of nine Test series victories between 2005-2008.

Promising fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who awaits his Test debut, and Hardik Pandya also add to India&#39;s pace brigade to match Proteas&#39; attack of Vernon Philander, Kagiso Rabada and Dale Steyn.

But the 71-year-old Bedi said the Indian team &quot;shouldn&#39;t get carried away&quot; after recent praise of its pacemen.

&quot;Very happy situation that Indians, given an opportunity, now will be able to retaliate with their pace department,&quot; he said.

But &quot;good bowling, whether it&#39;s fast or spin, is getting the opposition out twice&quot;, he warned.

&quot;Not so much of verbal bouncers or any sort of intimidation and even if you do it, first do your job of getting wickets,&quot; said Bedi, who is known for his forthright views.

On the batting front, vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane&#39;s form also seems to be of concern for a team whose batting is led by the prolific Kohli.

Rahane, who averaged over 65 in India&#39;s last South Africa tour in 2013-2014 when they lost the two-match series 1-0, has managed just 17 runs in his last five innings.

Coach Ravi Shastri said it was just a matter of time before the top-order batsman gets his act together.

&quot;It&#39;s not that they are shattered mentally. It&#39;s just about spending some time at the crease, get your feet moving the way it should be and you will be on your way,&quot; Shastri told CNN News18 TV Channel.

&quot;I think it will be Indian batting versus the South African batting. Both teams have good bowling attacks. I think our bowlers will do a very good job but it&#39;s how our batsmen stand up,&quot; he said.

India, who beat New Zealand, England and Australia in a powerful home season to consolidate their number one Test ranking, celebrated their last major away victory in 2008-2009 when they beat the Kiwis 1-0 in a three-Test series

Virat Kohli's India head for a gruelling tour of South Africa on Wednesday looking for a record-breaking tenth straight Test series triumph, but they will have to overcome a reputation for being bad travellers. India, who beat New Zealand, England and Australia in a powerful home season to consolidate their number one Test ranking, celebrated their last major away victory in 2008-2009 when they beat the Kiwis 1-0 in a three-Test series. "Looking forward to the South Africa tour, it's going to be a different challenge," said Rohit Sharma, who captained the Indian limited-overs side in Kohli's recent absence. "But I want to reiterate about our home season, it's never easy to beat anyone. We were challenged at different times and we came back." Overseas success against weakened West Indies and Sri Lanka sides in the past two years, and India's invincibility at home, has led pundits to back Kohli's side to put up a strong challenge to South Africa, who are second in the Test rankings and have never lost to India at home. India will play three Tests, six one-day internationals and three Twenty20 matches during the two-month tour. The series begins with the first Test in Cape Town on January 5. "They had a very good 2017. They have to carry on with the good work overseas also, away from Asia. At any given time you cannot sit on your past laurels," former captain Bishan Singh Bedi told AFP. "To prove it to yourself, not to the world, that you are worthy of the number one position. It's not easy to get there but even more difficult to stay there," the ex-spinner added. Apart from hosts Australia losing to South Africa 2-1 in 2016-2017, and visiting England beating the Proteas in 2015-2016, the top Test-playing nations have enjoyed hegemony on home turf. The Indians once labelled "tigers at home and lambs abroad" in Test cricket, have a chance of breaking new ground in South Africa's den. "Most teams are doing well at home and struggling overseas. So this is an opportunity for India to move away from the pack," veteran sports journalist Ayaz Memon told AFP. "South Africa lost badly to India when they came here in 2015. India may have won the odd Test but they have never won a series in South Africa and Australia," he added. India are pinning their hopes on the pace quartet of Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma and Bhuvneshwar Kumar to make an impact on fast-paced South African tracks. The fast bowlers played a significant role during India's 1-0 win over Sri Lanka as they equalled Australia's record of nine Test series victories between 2005-2008. Promising fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who awaits his Test debut, and Hardik Pandya also add to India's pace brigade to match Proteas' attack of Vernon Philander, Kagiso Rabada and Dale Steyn. But the 71-year-old Bedi said the Indian team "shouldn't get carried away" after recent praise of its pacemen. "Very happy situation that Indians, given an opportunity, now will be able to retaliate with their pace department," he said. But "good bowling, whether it's fast or spin, is getting the opposition out twice", he warned. "Not so much of verbal bouncers or any sort of intimidation and even if you do it, first do your job of getting wickets," said Bedi, who is known for his forthright views. On the batting front, vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane's form also seems to be of concern for a team whose batting is led by the prolific Kohli. Rahane, who averaged over 65 in India's last South Africa tour in 2013-2014 when they lost the two-match series 1-0, has managed just 17 runs in his last five innings. Coach Ravi Shastri said it was just a matter of time before the top-order batsman gets his act together. "It's not that they are shattered mentally. It's just about spending some time at the crease, get your feet moving the way it should be and you will be on your way," Shastri told CNN News18 TV Channel. "I think it will be Indian batting versus the South African batting. Both teams have good bowling attacks. I think our bowlers will do a very good job but it's how our batsmen stand up," he said.

Lambs abroad? Buoyant India target maiden win in South Africa

South Africa&#39;s top trio AB de Villiers, Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander have made their long-awaited return to the Proteas Test squad.

The players were named in the 14-man squad for next week`s day-night, four-day Test match against Zimbabwe. &nbsp;

The match which will be played at the St. George&rsquo;s Park, Port Elizabeth, from December 26 to 29, serves as a warm-up for three home tests against India in January. &nbsp;

De Villiers&#39; played his last test against England in January 2016, after which he asked for time out from the long format of the game.&nbsp;

While Steyn was recovering from a serious shoulder injury suffered against Australia at Perth, a year ago.

Philander is also back in the squad after suffering an injury on tour to England in mid-year.

Captain Faf du Plessis, who is in the final stages of recovery from a shoulder operation, has also been named. 
&nbsp; 
Recently against Bangladesh, South Africa used six batsmen, two allrounders, two seamers and a spinner. 
&nbsp;

The players were named in the 14-man squad for next week`s Test match against Zimbabwe

South Africa's top trio AB de Villiers, Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander have made their long-awaited return to the Proteas Test squad. The players were named in the 14-man squad for next week`s day-night, four-day Test match against Zimbabwe. The match which will be played at the St. George’s Park, Port Elizabeth, from December 26 to 29, serves as a warm-up for three home tests against India in January. De Villiers' played his last test against England in January 2016, after which he asked for time out from the long format of the game. While Steyn was recovering from a serious shoulder injury suffered against Australia at Perth, a year ago. Philander is also back in the squad after suffering an injury on tour to England in mid-year. Captain Faf du Plessis, who is in the final stages of recovery from a shoulder operation, has also been named. Recently against Bangladesh, South Africa used six batsmen, two allrounders, two seamers and a spinner.

AB de Villiers, Dale Steyn back in South Africa Test squad

Indian cricket team&#39;s stand-in captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and opted to bowl first for the third and final ODI at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, in Visakhapatnam on Sunday.

For India, Kuldeep Yadav replaced Washington Sundar in the playing XI, while Sadeera Samarawickrama replaced Lahiru Thirimanne for Sri Lanka.

In the 2nd ODI, Rohit Sharma&#39;s unbeaten 208 helped the hosts level the series with 1-1, after they put up a total of 392-4, and in turn, restricted Sri Lanka to 251-8 in 50 overs.

India has not lost a series at home since their loss to South Africa in October 2015.

Kuldeep Yadav replaced Washington Sundar in the Indian playing XI

Indian cricket team's stand-in captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and opted to bowl first for the third and final ODI at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, in Visakhapatnam on Sunday. For India, Kuldeep Yadav replaced Washington Sundar in the playing XI, while Sadeera Samarawickrama replaced Lahiru Thirimanne for Sri Lanka. In the 2nd ODI, Rohit Sharma's unbeaten 208 helped the hosts level the series with 1-1, after they put up a total of 392-4, and in turn, restricted Sri Lanka to 251-8 in 50 overs. India has not lost a series at home since their loss to South Africa in October 2015.

3rd ODI: India wins toss, to bowl first in series decider against Sri Lanka

The African National Congress expects to announce the successor to President Jacob Zuma as party leader on Sunday when ANC delegates elect a new figurehead for the movement that has ruled South Africa since the end of apartheid.

The vote is crucial because whoever emerges at the helm of the 105-year-old liberation movement that has electoral dominance in Africa&#39;s most industrialised economy is likely to become South Africa&#39;s next president after elections in 2019.

After lengthy delays on the first day of the ANC conference on Saturday, the leadership contest was still too close to call, with most grassroots ANC members backing Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa or Zuma&#39;s preferred candidate, his former wife Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, 68.

Ramaphosa, 65, got the majority of nominations from party branches scattered across the country. But the complexity of the leadership race means it is far from certain he will win when the votes are finally counted.

The election is perhaps the most pivotal moment for the ANC in its 23 years of power. Scandal and corruption allegations have tainted Zuma&#39;s presidency and the party that launched black majority rule under Nobel Peace Prize laureate Nelson Mandela is now deeply divided, its image tarnished at home and abroad.

Party spokesman Zizi Kodwa said the ANC hoped to declare a winner on Sunday, but this depended &quot;on getting through the credentials process,&quot; or vetting the eligibility of the delegates.&nbsp;

Under ANC rules, a majority of nominations is not the same as the most votes at the conference and delegates are not bound to vote for a particular candidate.

How the roughly 6,000 delegates will vote may also be subject to vote-buying and intimidation - which are widely acknowledged to have swayed previous leadership contests.

ANC Chairwoman Baleka Mbete - who is also the speaker of parliament - publicly endorsed Ramaphosa, online news service EWN reported.

Stan Itshegetseng, chairman of an ANC branch in Soweto, said: &quot;I believe Cyril will win this election because the majority of ANC branches endorsed him.&quot;

Carl Niehaus, a key member of Dlamini-Zuma&#39;s campaign, said she would be propelled to victory by &quot;the grassroots and the poor. That is important in South Africa because we have a huge gap between rich and poor.&quot;

Dlamini-Zuma pledged during her campaign to tackle the racial inequality that persists in South Africa since the end of white minority rule.

Ramaphosa vowed to fight corruption and revitalise the economy. That message has gone down well with foreign investors.

Managing director of Goldman Sachs in South Africa, Colin Coleman, described the two candidates as &quot;quite divergent&quot; in their views on how to revive a lacklustre economy.

In a boost to Ramaphosa, courts ruled that officials from some provinces seen as supporting Dlamini-Zuma had been elected illegally and were barred from the conference. The rand currency firmed more than 2 percent after that news on Friday.

In his last speech as ANC leader, Zuma called on the party to unite behind whoever is declared the winner, saying &quot;the movement (ANC) must be the winner and not individuals.&quot;

Whoever emerges at the helm of the 105-year-old liberation movement is likely to become South Africa`s next president after elections in 2019

The African National Congress expects to announce the successor to President Jacob Zuma as party leader on Sunday when ANC delegates elect a new figurehead for the movement that has ruled South Africa since the end of apartheid. The vote is crucial because whoever emerges at the helm of the 105-year-old liberation movement that has electoral dominance in Africa's most industrialised economy is likely to become South Africa's next president after elections in 2019. After lengthy delays on the first day of the ANC conference on Saturday, the leadership contest was still too close to call, with most grassroots ANC members backing Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa or Zuma's preferred candidate, his former wife Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, 68. Ramaphosa, 65, got the majority of nominations from party branches scattered across the country. But the complexity of the leadership race means it is far from certain he will win when the votes are finally counted. The election is perhaps the most pivotal moment for the ANC in its 23 years of power. Scandal and corruption allegations have tainted Zuma's presidency and the party that launched black majority rule under Nobel Peace Prize laureate Nelson Mandela is now deeply divided, its image tarnished at home and abroad. Party spokesman Zizi Kodwa said the ANC hoped to declare a winner on Sunday, but this depended "on getting through the credentials process," or vetting the eligibility of the delegates. Under ANC rules, a majority of nominations is not the same as the most votes at the conference and delegates are not bound to vote for a particular candidate. How the roughly 6,000 delegates will vote may also be subject to vote-buying and intimidation - which are widely acknowledged to have swayed previous leadership contests. ANC Chairwoman Baleka Mbete - who is also the speaker of parliament - publicly endorsed Ramaphosa, online news service EWN reported. Stan Itshegetseng, chairman of an ANC branch in Soweto, said: "I believe Cyril will win this election because the majority of ANC branches endorsed him." Carl Niehaus, a key member of Dlamini-Zuma's campaign, said she would be propelled to victory by "the grassroots and the poor. That is important in South Africa because we have a huge gap between rich and poor." Dlamini-Zuma pledged during her campaign to tackle the racial inequality that persists in South Africa since the end of white minority rule. Ramaphosa vowed to fight corruption and revitalise the economy. That message has gone down well with foreign investors. Managing director of Goldman Sachs in South Africa, Colin Coleman, described the two candidates as "quite divergent" in their views on how to revive a lacklustre economy. In a boost to Ramaphosa, courts ruled that officials from some provinces seen as supporting Dlamini-Zuma had been elected illegally and were barred from the conference. The rand currency firmed more than 2 percent after that news on Friday. In his last speech as ANC leader, Zuma called on the party to unite behind whoever is declared the winner, saying "the movement (ANC) must be the winner and not individuals."

South Africa's ANC to elect leader to replace President Zuma

Thousands of delegates from South Africa&#39;s ANC party gathered Saturday for a five-day meeting to elect their new leader in a divisive race seen as a pivotal moment in the country&#39;s post-apartheid history.&nbsp;

The winner will be well placed to be the next president, but the ANC has lost much popularity since Nelson Mandela led it to power in the euphoric 1994 election that marked the end of white-minority rule.&nbsp;Soaring unemployment and government corruption have fuelled frustration among millions of poor black South Africans who face dire housing, inadequate education, and continuing racial inequality.&nbsp;

President Jacob Zuma, whose reign has been marred by graft scandals, will step down as ANC chief but remain as head of state ahead of general elections in 2019.&nbsp;The two front-runners for the party leadership are his ex-wife and former African Union Commission head Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, and Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, a wealthy businessman.

The battle could split the ANC and the conference looks set to be acrimonious.&nbsp;ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe on Saturday said some delegates had been disqualified from voting after multiple legal disputes raged in courts for weeks before the meeting.&nbsp;As rival delegates danced and sang songs in support of their chosen candidate, Mantashe said the start of the event had been delayed until 1200 GMT when Zuma would make the opening address.

Dlamini-Zuma, 68, headed the African Union commission until earlier this year and is a former interior, foreign affairs, and health minister.&nbsp;But her critics say she would pursue Zuma&#39;s failing economic and political policies and would be his proxy to protect him from criminal prosecution over graft allegations.&nbsp;

The couple had four children together before divorcing in 1998.

&nbsp;&#39;Afraid of being prosecuted&#39;&nbsp;

Ramaphosa, 65, a former trade union leader, led the historic negotiations in the 1990s to end apartheid before launching a business career that made him one of the country&#39;s wealthiest men.&nbsp;He is often accused of failing to confront Zuma while serving as his deputy since 2014.&nbsp;

&quot;There is so much at stake and the two candidates are very close in the race&quot;, Amanda Gouws, a politics professor at Stellenbosch University, told AFP.&nbsp;Gouws said that the thousands of party delegates could be offered bribes for their votes and that Zuma was lobbying hard for Dlamini-Zuma to emerge victoriously.&nbsp;

&quot;Zuma is very afraid of being prosecuted after he leaves office if Dlamini-Zuma doesn&#39;t win, so he is really trying to make sure she does&quot;, she said.&nbsp;Dlamini-Zuma has strongly denied her campaign had been involved with vote-buying, saying &quot;no leader will be proud of being elected out of money&quot;.&nbsp;With tensions rising, Ramaphosa said the party &quot;should rally behind whoever is elected&quot;.

Tefu Velaphi, a 38-year-old delegate, and building manager, told AFP: &quot;Zuma&#39;s legacy is disastrous. He only cares about himself and his friends. We want them to be arrested.&nbsp;&quot;That lady will protect Zuma&quot;, he said, referring to Dlamini-Zuma.&nbsp;But Matthew Tsepang, one of her supporters, said: &nbsp;&quot;We can not judge a person by her previous life. She can be a former wife but have her independence. She is a capable leader&quot;.

&nbsp;2019 election looms

The ANC is still South Africa&#39;s biggest party by far, but the 54 percent it won in local elections last year was its worst poll result since 1994 -- underlining its sharp recent decline in popularity.&nbsp;Ramaphosa is widely seen as the stronger candidate to lead the party into the 2019 general election.&nbsp;But if he loses the party leadership battle, some experts say the party could split.

Opposition parties the Democratic Alliance and Economic Freedom Fighters are both hoping to exploit the ANC&#39;s woes in the election, with one possible outcome being a coalition government.&nbsp;Other leadership hopefuls include parliament speaker Baleka Mbete, presidency minister Jeff Radebe and Zweli Mkhize, the party treasurer.

The ANC has lost much popularity since Nelson Mandela led it to power in the euphoric 1994 election that marked the end of white-minority rule

Thousands of delegates from South Africa's ANC party gathered Saturday for a five-day meeting to elect their new leader in a divisive race seen as a pivotal moment in the country's post-apartheid history. The winner will be well placed to be the next president, but the ANC has lost much popularity since Nelson Mandela led it to power in the euphoric 1994 election that marked the end of white-minority rule. Soaring unemployment and government corruption have fuelled frustration among millions of poor black South Africans who face dire housing, inadequate education, and continuing racial inequality. President Jacob Zuma, whose reign has been marred by graft scandals, will step down as ANC chief but remain as head of state ahead of general elections in 2019. The two front-runners for the party leadership are his ex-wife and former African Union Commission head Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, and Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, a wealthy businessman. The battle could split the ANC and the conference looks set to be acrimonious. ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe on Saturday said some delegates had been disqualified from voting after multiple legal disputes raged in courts for weeks before the meeting. As rival delegates danced and sang songs in support of their chosen candidate, Mantashe said the start of the event had been delayed until 1200 GMT when Zuma would make the opening address. Dlamini-Zuma, 68, headed the African Union commission until earlier this year and is a former interior, foreign affairs, and health minister. But her critics say she would pursue Zuma's failing economic and political policies and would be his proxy to protect him from criminal prosecution over graft allegations. The couple had four children together before divorcing in 1998. 'Afraid of being prosecuted' Ramaphosa, 65, a former trade union leader, led the historic negotiations in the 1990s to end apartheid before launching a business career that made him one of the country's wealthiest men. He is often accused of failing to confront Zuma while serving as his deputy since 2014. "There is so much at stake and the two candidates are very close in the race", Amanda Gouws, a politics professor at Stellenbosch University, told AFP. Gouws said that the thousands of party delegates could be offered bribes for their votes and that Zuma was lobbying hard for Dlamini-Zuma to emerge victoriously. "Zuma is very afraid of being prosecuted after he leaves office if Dlamini-Zuma doesn't win, so he is really trying to make sure she does", she said. Dlamini-Zuma has strongly denied her campaign had been involved with vote-buying, saying "no leader will be proud of being elected out of money". With tensions rising, Ramaphosa said the party "should rally behind whoever is elected". Tefu Velaphi, a 38-year-old delegate, and building manager, told AFP: "Zuma's legacy is disastrous. He only cares about himself and his friends. We want them to be arrested. "That lady will protect Zuma", he said, referring to Dlamini-Zuma. But Matthew Tsepang, one of her supporters, said: "We can not judge a person by her previous life. She can be a former wife but have her independence. She is a capable leader". 2019 election looms The ANC is still South Africa's biggest party by far, but the 54 percent it won in local elections last year was its worst poll result since 1994 -- underlining its sharp recent decline in popularity. Ramaphosa is widely seen as the stronger candidate to lead the party into the 2019 general election. But if he loses the party leadership battle, some experts say the party could split. Opposition parties the Democratic Alliance and Economic Freedom Fighters are both hoping to exploit the ANC's woes in the election, with one possible outcome being a coalition government. Other leadership hopefuls include parliament speaker Baleka Mbete, presidency minister Jeff Radebe and Zweli Mkhize, the party treasurer.

South Africa's troubled ANC meets to elect new leader

South Africa will use its annual budget next year to outline &quot;decisive&quot; policy to strengthen its fiscal framework, the finance ministry said on Saturday after S&amp;P Global Ratings cut its local currency debt to &quot;junk&quot; status.

S&amp;P announced the downgrade on Friday, citing a further deterioration in the country&#39;s economic outlook and public finances. Moody&#39;s, meanwhile, placed South Africa on review for a downgrade.

&quot;The 2018 Budget will outline decisive and specific policy measures to strengthen the fiscal framework,&quot; the finance ministry said in a statement, without giving more detail.

The downgrade by S&amp;P comes after finance minister Malusi Gigaba shocked markets on October 25 by flagging sharply weaker growth expectations, a wider budget deficit, and rising government debt.

The government has since appointed a judicial commission of inquiry into the causes of a 50 billion rand ($3.6 billion) revenue shortfall and to investigate a possible erosion of the nation&#39;s revenue collection capability.

Economic growth has slowed to near zero in recent years and business and consumer sentiment have plumbed multi-decade lows as political uncertainty weighs on the economy.

Infighting within the ruling African National Congress ahead of a conference in December to elect a successor to President Jacob Zuma as party chief has also sapped investor confidence.

&quot;Restoring business and consumer confidence, and catalysing inclusive growth is the top priority of government,&quot; the finance ministry said.

South African businesses have been in talks with the government more than a year to try to avoid credit rating downgrades, but when Zuma in March replaced finance minister Pravin Gordhan with Gigaba, S&amp;P and Fitch cut its ratings a notch within a week.

Nedbank, one of the nation&#39;s largest lenders, on Saturday warned that the latest move by S&amp;P will make it more expensive for government and the private sector to raise funding.

&quot;The February budget statement is South Africa&rsquo;s last chance to demonstrate the structural reforms and fiscal consolidation that are required to improve economic growth prospects and prevent Moody&rsquo;s from also downgrading the local currency debt to below investment grade,&quot; Chief Executive Mike Brown said.

A Moody&#39;s downgrade would trigger the exit of South Africa&#39;s local currency debt from important global bond indices, Brown added.

'Restoring business and consumer confidence, and catalysing inclusive growth is the top priority of government,' said Malusi Gigaba, finance minister

South Africa will use its annual budget next year to outline "decisive" policy to strengthen its fiscal framework, the finance ministry said on Saturday after S&P Global Ratings cut its local currency debt to "junk" status. S&P announced the downgrade on Friday, citing a further deterioration in the country's economic outlook and public finances. Moody's, meanwhile, placed South Africa on review for a downgrade. "The 2018 Budget will outline decisive and specific policy measures to strengthen the fiscal framework," the finance ministry said in a statement, without giving more detail. The downgrade by S&P comes after finance minister Malusi Gigaba shocked markets on October 25 by flagging sharply weaker growth expectations, a wider budget deficit, and rising government debt. The government has since appointed a judicial commission of inquiry into the causes of a 50 billion rand ($3.6 billion) revenue shortfall and to investigate a possible erosion of the nation's revenue collection capability. Economic growth has slowed to near zero in recent years and business and consumer sentiment have plumbed multi-decade lows as political uncertainty weighs on the economy. Infighting within the ruling African National Congress ahead of a conference in December to elect a successor to President Jacob Zuma as party chief has also sapped investor confidence. "Restoring business and consumer confidence, and catalysing inclusive growth is the top priority of government," the finance ministry said. South African businesses have been in talks with the government more than a year to try to avoid credit rating downgrades, but when Zuma in March replaced finance minister Pravin Gordhan with Gigaba, S&P and Fitch cut its ratings a notch within a week. Nedbank, one of the nation's largest lenders, on Saturday warned that the latest move by S&P will make it more expensive for government and the private sector to raise funding. "The February budget statement is South Africa’s last chance to demonstrate the structural reforms and fiscal consolidation that are required to improve economic growth prospects and prevent Moody’s from also downgrading the local currency debt to below investment grade," Chief Executive Mike Brown said. A Moody's downgrade would trigger the exit of South Africa's local currency debt from important global bond indices, Brown added.

South Africa to outline 'decisive' policy in 2018 after debt rating cut

South Africa&#39;s Supreme Court of Appeal on Friday increased Oscar&nbsp;Pistorius&#39; murder sentence to 13 years and five months after the state argued that his original sentence of six years was &quot;shockingly lenient&quot;.

Pistorius&nbsp;was imprisoned in July last year after being found guilty on appeal of murdering girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine&#39;s Day 2013 in a case that attracted worldwide interest.

The athlete was not in court for Friday&#39;s ruling where the court handed down the minimum 15-year sentence prescribed for murder in South Africa, and subtracted the years&nbsp;Pistorius&nbsp;had already served in jail.

South Africa's Supreme Court of Appeal on Friday increased Oscar Pistorius' murder sentence to 13 years and five months after the state argued that his original sentence of six years was "shockingly lenient".

South Africa's Supreme Court of Appeal on Friday increased Oscar Pistorius' murder sentence to 13 years and five months after the state argued that his original sentence of six years was "shockingly lenient". Pistorius was imprisoned in July last year after being found guilty on appeal of murdering girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine's Day 2013 in a case that attracted worldwide interest. The athlete was not in court for Friday's ruling where the court handed down the minimum 15-year sentence prescribed for murder in South Africa, and subtracted the years Pistorius had already served in jail.

South African appeals court more than doubles Oscar Pistorius murder sentence

An Indian diplomat&#39;s house was ransacked in South Africa while his family was held at gunpoint.

A gang of armed robbers derailed the gate and stormed into the residence of the Consul-General of India in Durban, Dr&nbsp;Shashank Vikram, on Thursday, Independent Online reported.

The incident took place on November 16.

Dr&nbsp;Vikram was not home at the time when the robbers held his family at gunpoint and took away the jewelry and cash.

&quot;Vikram&#39;s 5-year-old son was reportedly held by one of the robbers while the men ransacked the house and threatened Vikram&#39;s family with a gun. Jewellery was taken and the suspects fled.

No arrests have been made at this stage, &quot; Lieutenant-Colonel Thulani Zwane was quoted by Independent Online, as saying.

Dr Vikram was not home at the time when the robbers held his family at gunpoint and took away the jewelry and cash

An Indian diplomat's house was ransacked in South Africa while his family was held at gunpoint. A gang of armed robbers derailed the gate and stormed into the residence of the Consul-General of India in Durban, Dr Shashank Vikram, on Thursday, Independent Online reported. The incident took place on November 16. Dr Vikram was not home at the time when the robbers held his family at gunpoint and took away the jewelry and cash. "Vikram's 5-year-old son was reportedly held by one of the robbers while the men ransacked the house and threatened Vikram's family with a gun. Jewellery was taken and the suspects fled. No arrests have been made at this stage, " Lieutenant-Colonel Thulani Zwane was quoted by Independent Online, as saying.

Indian diplomat's house ransacked in South Africa

Nobody is safe from the rages of Zimbabwe&rsquo;s First Lady, &ldquo;Dr Amai&rdquo; Grace Mugabe. There was the young South African model Grace lashed with extension cords. 93-year-old President Robert Mugabe&rsquo;s longtime and usually trusted ally Emmerson Mnangagwa, was next in the firing line: He was sacked because his supporters allegedly booed her at a rally.

The consequences of her vengeance may have led to a coup headed by Zimbabwe&rsquo;s army chief General Constantino Chiwenga, who is commonly perceived to be Mnangagwa&rsquo;s prot&eacute;g&eacute;. But ex-freedom fighter Mnangagwa has his own presidential aspirations.

Mnangagwa has been exiled from the party in which he has served since he was a teenager. But he is not just skulking in the political wilderness. On arrival in South Africa, he issued a statement calling those who wanted him out &ldquo;minnows&rdquo;. He promised to control his party &ldquo;very soon&rdquo; and urged his supporters to register to vote in the national elections next July.

As if to back Mnangagwa, on November 13 General Chiwenga announced that he and his officers could not allow the &ldquo;counter-revolutionary infiltrators&rdquo;, implied to be behind Grace Mugabe, to continue their purges.

Factions and purges

Chiwenga declared that the armed forces must ensure all party members attend the extraordinary Zanu-PF congress next month with &ldquo;equal opportunity to exercise their democratic rights&rdquo;. He flashed back through Zanu-PF&rsquo;s history of factionalism, reminding his listeners that although the military &ldquo;will not hesitate to step in&rdquo; it has never &ldquo;usurped power&rdquo;. Chiwenga promised to defuse all the differences &ldquo;amicably and in the ruling party&rsquo;s closet&rdquo;.

Although, this airbrushed more than it revealed about the party&rsquo;s rough patches when leadership vacuums appeared, the statement appeared more as a cautionary note than a clarion call to arms. It&rsquo;s not often a coup is announced before it starts, but once in motion direction &ndash; and history &ndash; can change. Grace Mugabe may have unleashed a perfect storm and her own undoing.

&nbsp;

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Soldiers stand next to a tank on a road in Harare. (Reuters)
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All the &ldquo;shenanigans&rdquo; that have inspired the generals to consider a coup have set the stage for an extraordinary Zanu-PF congress this December instead of in the expected 2019: That is, before rather than after the July 2018 national elections.

This suggests some people were in a hurry to settle the succession issues for the president, who is now showing every one of his 93 years. Maybe Robert Mugabe won&rsquo;t rule until he is 100-years-old. If not, and members of his family or party wanted to keep their dynasties alive, they had to work quickly lest some similarly inclined contenders are in their way.

These contenders include Mnangagwa and a slew of his &ldquo;Lacoste&rdquo; faction consisting of war veterans and the odd financial liberal. The best-known of these is Patrick Chinamasa. This former finance minister tried to convince the world&rsquo;s bankers he could pull Zimbabwe out of the fire. He was demoted to control cyberspace and then fired. Perhaps he may make a comeback in the wake of the semi-coup.

The pro-Grace faction includes the members of Generation 40, or &ldquo;G-40&rdquo;. Many are well over 40. But in Robert Mugabe&rsquo;s shadow, they appear young, as does the 52-year-old First Lady. Without a base in the liberation-war cohort, they resorted to working with the Mugabe couple: Sometimes their ideology appears radical, espousing indigenous economics and more land to the tillers.

If the history of their best-known member &ndash; the current Minister of Higher Education Jonathan Moyo &ndash; is indicative, however, they are pragmatic; or less politely put, opportunist.

But with Grace Mugabe sans Robert, they would have to muster inordinate amounts of patience and manipulation to steer the sinking ship to the shores of stable statehood and incorporate yet younger generations who cut their political teeth as Robert Mugabe&rsquo;s rule faltered.

Perfidious &lsquo;saviours&rsquo;

Yet the possible plan for the upcoming congress &ndash; to create a third vice-president &ndash; appears not to move far beyond the cold hands of the old. Phelekezela Mphoko would be pushed to third vice-president status. Grace would be the second vice-president.

The current defence minister, Sydney Sekeramayi would be first vice-president and so, next in line for the presidential palace. He is a quiet but no less tarnished member of the Zanu-PF old guard; especially when one remembers the massacre of thousands of Ndebele people during the Gukurahundi.

When performing the calculus necessary to rectify Zimbabwe&rsquo;s graceless imbalances, remember that Mnangagwa was perhaps the key architect of the nearly genocidal Gukurahundi, now chronicled in archival detail in historian Stuart Doran&rsquo;s Kingdom, Power, Glory: Mugabe, Zanu, and the Quest for Supremacy. Among the scores implicated therein are the British, condemned by Hazel Cameron, another meticulous archivist, as exercising &ldquo;wilful blindness&rdquo; during what Robert Mugabe has dismissed as a &ldquo;moment of madness&rdquo;.

Perhaps it&rsquo;s no surprise, then, that many are suspicious of Mnangagwa&rsquo;s relationship with the UK. Many suspects he has been swimming with perfidious Albion for a very, very long time.

Those waters, in the shadow of Mugabe&rsquo;s heritage, will take a few more generations of hard political work to clear. It hardly seems propitious that a coup, and the same generation that has ruled since 1980, starts it off.

This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com" rel="nofollow" target="blank">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/a-military-coup-is-afoot-in-zimbabwe-whats-next-for-the-embattled-nation-87528" rel="nofollow" target="blank">original article</a>.

The protracted political crisis in Zimbabwe has worsened since President Mugabe fired vice president Emmerson Mnangagwa also the military has entered the fray, raising fears a coup is imminent

Nobody is safe from the rages of Zimbabwe’s First Lady, “Dr Amai” Grace Mugabe. There was the young South African model Grace lashed with extension cords. 93-year-old President Robert Mugabe’s longtime and usually trusted ally Emmerson Mnangagwa, was next in the firing line: He was sacked because his supporters allegedly booed her at a rally. The consequences of her vengeance may have led to a coup headed by Zimbabwe’s army chief General Constantino Chiwenga, who is commonly perceived to be Mnangagwa’s protégé. But ex-freedom fighter Mnangagwa has his own presidential aspirations. Mnangagwa has been exiled from the party in which he has served since he was a teenager. But he is not just skulking in the political wilderness. On arrival in South Africa, he issued a statement calling those who wanted him out “minnows”. He promised to control his party “very soon” and urged his supporters to register to vote in the national elections next July. As if to back Mnangagwa, on November 13 General Chiwenga announced that he and his officers could not allow the “counter-revolutionary infiltrators”, implied to be behind Grace Mugabe, to continue their purges. Factions and purges Chiwenga declared that the armed forces must ensure all party members attend the extraordinary Zanu-PF congress next month with “equal opportunity to exercise their democratic rights”. He flashed back through Zanu-PF’s history of factionalism, reminding his listeners that although the military “will not hesitate to step in” it has never “usurped power”. Chiwenga promised to defuse all the differences “amicably and in the ruling party’s closet”. Although, this airbrushed more than it revealed about the party’s rough patches when leadership vacuums appeared, the statement appeared more as a cautionary note than a clarion call to arms. It’s not often a coup is announced before it starts, but once in motion direction – and history – can change. Grace Mugabe may have unleashed a perfect storm and her own undoing. Soldiers stand next to a tank on a road in Harare. (Reuters) × All the “shenanigans” that have inspired the generals to consider a coup have set the stage for an extraordinary Zanu-PF congress this December instead of in the expected 2019: That is, before rather than after the July 2018 national elections. This suggests some people were in a hurry to settle the succession issues for the president, who is now showing every one of his 93 years. Maybe Robert Mugabe won’t rule until he is 100-years-old. If not, and members of his family or party wanted to keep their dynasties alive, they had to work quickly lest some similarly inclined contenders are in their way. These contenders include Mnangagwa and a slew of his “Lacoste” faction consisting of war veterans and the odd financial liberal. The best-known of these is Patrick Chinamasa. This former finance minister tried to convince the world’s bankers he could pull Zimbabwe out of the fire. He was demoted to control cyberspace and then fired. Perhaps he may make a comeback in the wake of the semi-coup. The pro-Grace faction includes the members of Generation 40, or “G-40”. Many are well over 40. But in Robert Mugabe’s shadow, they appear young, as does the 52-year-old First Lady. Without a base in the liberation-war cohort, they resorted to working with the Mugabe couple: Sometimes their ideology appears radical, espousing indigenous economics and more land to the tillers. If the history of their best-known member – the current Minister of Higher Education Jonathan Moyo – is indicative, however, they are pragmatic; or less politely put, opportunist. But with Grace Mugabe sans Robert, they would have to muster inordinate amounts of patience and manipulation to steer the sinking ship to the shores of stable statehood and incorporate yet younger generations who cut their political teeth as Robert Mugabe’s rule faltered. Perfidious ‘saviours’ Yet the possible plan for the upcoming congress – to create a third vice-president – appears not to move far beyond the cold hands of the old. Phelekezela Mphoko would be pushed to third vice-president status. Grace would be the second vice-president. The current defence minister, Sydney Sekeramayi would be first vice-president and so, next in line for the presidential palace. He is a quiet but no less tarnished member of the Zanu-PF old guard; especially when one remembers the massacre of thousands of Ndebele people during the Gukurahundi. When performing the calculus necessary to rectify Zimbabwe’s graceless imbalances, remember that Mnangagwa was perhaps the key architect of the nearly genocidal Gukurahundi, now chronicled in archival detail in historian Stuart Doran’s Kingdom, Power, Glory: Mugabe, Zanu, and the Quest for Supremacy. Among the scores implicated therein are the British, condemned by Hazel Cameron, another meticulous archivist, as exercising “wilful blindness” during what Robert Mugabe has dismissed as a “moment of madness”. Perhaps it’s no surprise, then, that many are suspicious of Mnangagwa’s relationship with the UK. Many suspects he has been swimming with perfidious Albion for a very, very long time. Those waters, in the shadow of Mugabe’s heritage, will take a few more generations of hard political work to clear. It hardly seems propitious that a coup, and the same generation that has ruled since 1980, starts it off. This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

A military coup is afoot in Zimbabwe. What's next for the embattled nation?

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