The Virat Kohli led Team India will shift their focus from the series loss onto winning the third and final Test match at Johannesburg as the hosts aim to clean sweep the Test series. India have not won a Test series in the Proteas backyard and will have to wait for the next tour, but for now, the momentum has shifted as Team India look to defend their No.1 Test ranking status.
The Indian bowling unit has been outstanding as they have collected all 20-wickets at the end of each match, but it has been the batsmen who have failed to make any sort of manoeuvre, costing the visitors both the Test matches they have played so far.
The Indian players are seen grinding and sweating it out in Johannesburg as they practise ahead of the third and final Test. The visitors will aim to avoid a whitewash and will have to perform with all their might to score runs. Take a look at some of the action during the practice session.
One post shows Ishant Sharma, Murali Vijay and Bhuvneshwar Kumar playing football during the practice session.
In another upload, batsman and wicket-keeper Dinesh Kartik is seen with the gloves on, having a crack at a few shots being played at him.
Karthik was recalled as Wriddhiman Saha's replacement as the first choice keeper suffered a niggle in the neck after the first Test at Cape Town. Parthiv Patel who was brought on in the second Test, may be placed on the bench after his poor performance in the Centurion Test.
The Indian batsmen have played defensively in the Test matches they have played so far in Cape Town and Centurion which have costed the visitors. Ajinkya Rahane's inclusion in the squad is still an uncertainty but might be considered as the Johannesburg wicket sports a green top where the ball will swing.
It's all left up to the Indian batsmen as the only option they will have is to step up and have a crack at the pacey South African bowlers. The third and final match will commence from January 24 at 1.30 PM IST.
