As one gets paranoid about every drop that falls on the Chepauk turf and turns edgy over every speck of dark cloud in the sky, cricketing expectations are watered down. But in case the next five days of the opening India-South Africa Test turn out to be water-proof, chances are that the series can grow on the fans, who still get dreamy about the last series Down Under and are eagerly waiting for the IPL launch.The only saving grace for the city, which has gotten used to covered pitches and dull draws, on the eve of the three-Test series was to think of the bigger picture. It would augur well for the fans to repeatedly remind themselves that India and South Africa — ranked second and third in the ICC world Test rankings — are fighting to become official challengers for Australia, the undisputed world number one.The tourists are three points behind India and currently placed alongside Pakistan. But in case they win the series — irrespective of the scoreline — they will push India to the lowest rung on the podium. Adding more spice to this race for No 2 is the fact that India play Australia at home later in the year, soon after South Africa complete their tour Down Under. Weakness becomes strengthAn intriguing fact that surfaced on the eve of the Test was the confidence of the two teams in dealing with their traditional weaknesses. And that’s the reason the rival captains — Graeme Smith and Anil Kumble — emphasised that the contest wouldn’t be on expected lines. Kumble believes that, given the time the South Africans have spent in the sub-continent, it will be easier for them to adjust to the conditions in India. Smith’s men managed a 1-0 Test victory in Pakistan and followed it up by thrashing Bangladesh 2-0. And with India doing well against the Australian pace battery, Smith thinks that the home team will be on firm footing when facing Dale Steyn and Makhaya Ntini. But the fact remains that India are the favourites on a pitch that is expected to help the spinners. They have faced better pacers on quicker wickets in Australia. But South Africa, despite their Pakistan and Bangladesh sojourns, haven’t quite faced spin bowling of the caliber of Kumble and Harbhajan. Paul or nothingThe Proteas will be banking on Paul Harris, the left-arm spinner who troubled India at Cape Town during the 2007 series. They also have the second option of Robin Peterson in the squad but playing two-spinners might not be in Smith’s plan of action.The Indian captain, though, confirmed that he will play two spinners. “We have a good batting line-up. We are looking at two pacers and two spinners with Tendulkar, Ganguly and Sehwag filling in the role of the fifth bowler,” said Kumble. During the Test series against Pakistan, South Africa’s biggest threats turned out to be leg-spinner Danish Kaneria and left-arm bowler Abdur Rehman, the latter finishing as the highest wicket-taker for the hosts. Kallis and Smith, nevertheless, believe that they played spin well.Listening to the players and keeping the bigger picture in mind, it seems that with a little bit of spin this seemingly uninteresting series has the potential to make heads turn.
