Proteas eye historic series win in India with key changes likely

This week, South Africa eye their first Test series victory in India in almost three decades, having secured a 1-0 series lead during last week’s 30-run win at Eden Gardens in Kolkata — their first triumph in India in 15 years.

With such a massive opportunity on the line, and given that a few players were off-form in the first Test, it would make sense for coach Shukri Conrad and captain Temba Bavuma to make some changes for the second Test, set to be staged in Guwahati.

If anything, the Conrad-Bavuma-era has been about backing players and giving them an extended rope in Test cricket. The two men at the helm have constructed a Test team rooted in honesty and clarity. No player could claim they were kept in the dark in any way, shape, or form.

However, this week feels like the right time to make some big calls. The most pressing might be to temporarily remove highly talented batter Tristan Stubbs for the Guwahati Test. Stubbs’ situation pains the nation, given the potential he has shown in Test cricket.

One could also argue that being moved up and down the order as frequently as he has in the past year has contributed to his struggles in all-whites.

There is no overlooking the batter’s difficulties, however, having scored only one half-century since his 122 against Sri Lanka at Kingsmead a year ago. His returns are increasingly poor, with just three double-digit scores in his last 13 innings.

Perhaps it is the right time to consider top-order batter Zubayr Hamza, who has been knocking on the door. Hamza travelled with the team to Pakistan and is also in camp in Guwahati.

The 30-year-old has six 50-plus scores in ten First-Class innings so far, including two centuries, demonstrating his growth since first breaking into the Test set-up six years ago. Conrad has indicated that Hamza was on the verge of playing in Pakistan, signalling that the management sees him as a serious option, particularly against spin.

Does Hamza come in for Stubbs for Guwahati?

On the bowling front, the Proteas have added fast bowler Lungi Ngidi for the second Test. Many would assume he is in as a replacement for Kagiso Rabada, who missed the first Test due to a rib injury. However, the first Test showed that Indian conditions favour a quick who bowls a stump-to-stump line — a style Ngidi has perfected.

Could this mean Marco Jansen, instead, misses the second Test?

Jansen had success at Eden Gardens, dismissing India’s opener Yashasvi Jaiswal in both innings. However, the lanky quick seems less suited to the conditions, as most of his deliveries miss the stumps, reducing their threat.

There is also the possibility of playing Senuran Muthusamy in place of Wiaan Mulder. Conrad emphasised that Mulder would be the first-choice No 3 at home in South Africa, suggesting the all-rounder could miss the Guwahati Test.

If he is dropped, Muthusamy could play a dual role as a spin bowler and batter. The all-rounder has been in fine form, winning Player of the Series in Pakistan last month and the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award.

Predicted Proteas team for second Test

Starting XI: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Zubayr Hamza, Temba Bavuma, Tony de Zorzi, Kyle Verreynne, Senuran Muthusamy, Corbin Bosch, Simon Harmer, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada