Knock-out round at the third Test in South Africa

Munaf recovers and is set to replace VRV but Dhoni is a doubtful starter for the 3rd Test. Dravid non-committal on opening combination

CAPE TOWN: In 2006, India had a Test series win in West Indies after 35 years. That was in July. Will 2007 be privileged with its share of history in as early as January?

The platform is certainly inspiring. The looming facade of the Table Mountain on one side, vivid green trees lining the other, a powder blue sky, cotton wool clouds and then, a pleasant chill breaking through the sunshine — enough to cause gooseflesh in an artist.

The record books, however, don’t paint such a pretty picture. India were the first to tour this country after the South Africans were reinstated in the international cricket fraternity in 1992.

Fifteen years and three lost tours later, the visitors have their first chance at glory. No sub-continental side has ever won a Test series here — Pakistan managed to draw in 1997-98. Then, only Australia have defeated the hosts in Newlands since 1992. Of the 16 Tests played here in this period, South Africa have won 10, lost 3 (all to the world champions) and drawn 3. India have lost one (1996-97) and drawn the other (1992-93).

But don’t call it Mission Impossible yet. Ethan Hunt wouldn’t. After all, who gave the tourists even half a chance of coming to Cape Town with the series level at 1-1? The conditions are better than in either Johannesburg or Durban, both ground as well as overhead. Munaf Patel looks fit and certain to play. And this team, unlike their predecessors, have been there, done that and tasted the bubbly less than a fortnight ago.

“We have shown throughout the series that we are pretty capable of competing with South Africa,” said Rahul Dravid. “It’s time to put our plans in place and perform when the situation demands it.”

The worry lines crinkled his forehead when the focus shifted to team composition. For the first time in this Test series, the Indian skipper refrained from announcing the final XII on match eve. “There are a couple of issues — injury and stuff,” he said. “We will have to see how Dhoni goes after practice. Munaf is not an issue at all. He was fit to play the last game, we just felt he hadn’t got enough overs under his belt then. He has bowled a lot since.”

There are only three changes possible. Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s injured middle finger (in the right hand) may hand Dinesh Kaarthick the gloves. Munaf Patel is certain to come in for VRV Singh.

The third decision, however, is the one that has put the team management in a predicament. That Gautam Gambhir should come in isn’t difficult to fathom. But whether the Indian thinktank will muster up the courage to drop the desperately out-of-form Virender Sehwag for a series-defining Test is a question that will be answered only on Tuesday morning.

No one likes to stick their neck out on Sehwag. Predict success and he’ll get out for nought. Foretell failure and he produces a bit of magic. But, with 33 — across Tests and ODIs — the best the maverick has been able to muster on this tour so far, another chance may be a little more than he’ll get and perhaps deserve.

Indications over the last few days have signalled that change is in the air. “I wouldn’t be wary of making dramatic changes if it will strengthen the team,” said Dravid. However, he also qualified that with, “but we have to take into account the fact that this is the last game of the series, and it is a different wicket.”

The South Africans, meanwhile, are sitting pretty with the knowledge that they have Sehwag sorted out. “All the areas we’ve attacked him in have been successful. Obviously, he’s very low on confidence and we haven’t allowed him to get off to a start,” said Graeme Smith.

“We haven’t allowed him to find any rhythm upfront. Sehwag is a big cog in the Indian team, he has had a huge run of success over the years and, as a senior player, to keep him on the back foot is important.”

And unlike the Indians, there isn’t much mystery surrounding their plans. Left-arm spinner Paul Harris looks certain to play while Jacques Kallis has been declared fit. (The latest news from the South African camp is that Andrew Nel is injured and may not play).

Come Tuesday morning, the suspense and drama around the Indian team composition should be over too. Thereafter, let there be beautiful cricket. Newlands, and the new year, deserves it.