Team India and South Africa get back to business after a much-needed break before Boxing Day Test in Durban

India and South Africa back to business

Team India and South Africa get back to business after a much-needed break before Boxing Day Test in Durban

Zaheer Khan slogs it out in a net session ahead of the Durban Test yesterday.
Pics/Getty Images

Both sides made first use of the practice wicket, brought out their full squads to the park and provided adequate net time to their premier batsmen.

The ground staff here at Kingsmead was pleased with the no rain over the last two days, which has allowed for a lot of sun light soak up the excess moisture on the surface. However, there was a minor spell of rainfall late last evening, but it quickly disappeared.

For India, Cheteshwar Pujara, Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar enjoyed extended batting sessions. Sources within the team hint at a possible swap between Raina and Pujara for a middle-order spot. Meanwhile, Zaheer Khan was seen bowling at full steam, allaying any doubts about his fitness ahead of the pressure-cooker contest.u00a0

Later in the day, the four-pronged South African pace attack of Dale Steyn, Wayne Parnell, Lonawo Tsotsobe and Morne Morkel used the practice strip.

It would be an emotional moment for South African run machine Hashim Amla who returns to his home ground during the festive season to play his 50th Test match. His father, who is a reputed doctor in Durban, will be in attendance. "Playing any Test at my home ground is special. Being the 50th Test doesn't make it any more important, to be honest. The team always comes first, the fact we won the last Test has taken precedence over any other distraction," Amla said yesterday.

Great place
In what must be music to the ears of Indian batsmen, Amla said that the wicket at Durban provides batsmen value for shots. "On a good day, when the wicket's flat, Kingsmead is a fantastic place for batsmen. You get full value for your shots, as the outfield is small and the boundaries are short. It is a great place to play cricket," the 26-year old said.

In 10 Tests against India, Amla aggregates 1054 runs at an average of 70, including his career-best 253 not out at Nagpur. "It's quite funny actually (my liking for India). I really don't know what to say on this issue. I am just grateful that I've had a good year so far, and the year is not over yet," said Amla. In 2010, the elegant right-hander has 1200 runs from 10 Tests at an incredible average of 86.

Amla is one of many players of Indian origin who belong to the KwaZulu-Natal Province. "Whenever the Indians have played here they've had great support. But it's a different ball game altogether when in the middle. India may have a bit more support here than in other places, but the game is played on the wicket and that's where you're going to need it," he said.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels