South Africa is playing a test series in the West Indies after 11 years and it could not have gotten off to a better start than what we saw in the first test. The entire match was over within three days and the West Indies seemed powerless to do anything about it. West Indies vs South Africa 2nd Test Match is going to be played at the same venue in conditions that are pretty similar. While there may be some changes to the playing eleven in both teams, there is not much that is going to change. Is there any way that the West Indies can make a comeback and even the series?
West Indies vs South Africa 2nd Test Match
Teams’ strengths & weaknesses
West Indies has a genuine weakness against quality pace bowling and that was exposed quite brutally in the first test match. We also saw the same thing when India toured there last year. To change things against such quality fast bowling and become better is not an overnight process. This weakness is going to persist. Where the West Indies has been strong in previous matches is hitting back at teams in the same kind. They also have a strong bowling lineup with some very good fast bowlers.
South Africa is a transitioning team with a new captain and some new faces in the team. It is no longer the team that used to dominate cricket around the world, a decade or so back, and this is something that we must keep in mind. There are some inexperienced players in the lineup that could find it very difficult to thrive under pressure. South Africa's batting is far from set in stone right now. Of course, the biggest strength is the fast-bowling lineup which they possess and that is easily capable of repeating the performances we saw in the previous match.
Players in form
West Indies did not have a single player that could stand up and say that he was proud of his performance in the first test. Javale Seales, making his debut, was the only bowler who showed consistent pace and kept troubling the South African batsmen. Jason Holder also had a few good moments but apart from them, we would not classify as anyone being in great form right now.
For South Africa, Quinton de Kock and Anrich Nortje are the players that stand out. De Kock scored a blistering century to take the game away from the West Indies and completely demoralize their attack while Nortje straight out scared the West Indies batsmen. These are two players that are going to be very difficult to stop in this match as well.
Match conditions
The weather forecast for the match is quite good and we should not have many rain interruptions. The pitch in St. Lucia is good for fast bowling. There is a good amount of pace in the wicket and the ball swings till late periods in the inning.
Game statistics
- No player in the history of cricket has hit as many sixes against the West Indies in one inning of a Test match as Quinton de Kock did
- West Indies was never been bowled out and defeated by an inning inside three days until the last match
Predictions
South Africa should be able to win this match with ease in our opinion. It was barely tested in the first match and has a lot more left in reserve. South Africa's batting could actually have been a lot better than what we saw. The fact that all three of its leading fast-bowlers got wickets is also an ominous sign for the West Indies. West Indies vs South Africa 2nd Test Match is only going one way.
Winner: South Africa (1.64) (With 10Cric)
