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South Africa v India, 2nd Test, Durban
Kallis's hot streak
S Rajesh
December 24, 2006
India wrapped up a historic victory in the first Test at Johannesburg, but expect a South African backlash at Durban, where Jacques Kallis, especially, has had a phenomenal run. Cricinfo looks at some of the stats highlights of the venue.
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Jacques Kallis and Durban have made for an irresistible combination
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The last time India took the field in a Test match at Durban, they were blitzed by Allan Donald and co. - they managed 166 runs for 20 wickets, and slumped to a 328-run defeat. Going into the second Test of this series, India have the momentum, but Graeme Smith will hope that memories of that win can lift his side as they try to level the series after the Johannesburg defeat. The venue has been a good one for the home team, especially lately - they have a 11-9 overall win-loss record here, but in the last 16 Tests it reads a very impressive eight wins and just two losses - to Pakistan and Australia. (Click here for the full list of results, and here to check out more stats on the venue.)
India's experiences here have been less memorable, with a draw and a loss win in two Tests. Among the members of the current squad, four players - Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and Anil Kumble - experienced the humiliation of 1996 first hand, of whom only Dravid, with a gutsy unbeaten 27 in the second innings, came out with his reputation enhanced.
India were blown away by pace ten years back, and the form book since then clearly indicates that fast bowlers have continued to flourish here. In the last ten Tests, pace has accounted for 266 wickets at 29.47 and a strike rate of 59 deliveries per wicket, while spinners concede 34.60 runs per wicket, and only strike once every 73 balls.
Shaun Pollock has played ten Tests here, and his stats at Durban mirror his career numbers - his 38 wickets here have come at 22.02 apiece. Both his average and strike rate are marginally better than his overall career stats. Makhaya Ntini too has enjoyed the pace and bounce on offer here, with 29 wickets in six matches at 26.58.
Jacques Kallis only managed 39 runs in two innings at Johannesburg, but if his stats in Durban are anything to go by, the Indians can expect to chase some leather when he is at the crease. Kallis averages 57.13 in his ten Tests here, but his recent form at this ground is outstanding: he has made hundreds in each of his last four Tests, versus Pakistan, West Indies, England and Australia. For Smith, though, Durban has been a disaster - in nine innings he has only managed a highest score of 42 and a miserable average of 17.50. The Indians have already had better of him on this tour so far, and these numbers will only encourage them further.
S Rajesh is stats editor of Cricinfo
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