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.

- ONGAMA GCWABE

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.