Rain threat looms large

Unexpectedly chilly weather and overcast conditions threatened to hamper India's preparations ahead of the crucial second one-day international against South Africa here at Wanderers

Unexpectedly chilly weather and overcast conditions threatened to hamper India's preparations ahead of the crucial second one-day international against South Africa here at Wanderers.


South Africa's Hashim Amla plays a shot during a net session at Wanderers
Stadium in Johannesburg yesterday. Pic/AFP

However, the sun came out just in time for the Indians to do their workout that lasted a little over three hours, including fielding drills, stretching exercises and an extended indoor batting session. The intensity was top-notch.

The hosts were at the Bull Ring as early as 9 AM and switched over to the indoor nets facility because of a slight drizzle.

Leg-spinner Imran Tahir was seen explaining his variations to vice-captain Johan Botha, who shared a laugh with bowling coach Vincent Barnes, probably about the amount of times Robin Peterson was beaten by Tahir.

While JP Duminy and Graeme Smith smacked anything short or full from Corrie van Zyl and Faf du Plessis respectively, Peterson continued to be bamboozled by Tahir's five different variations. Clearly, the Pakistan-born spinner looked a class apart at the nets.u00a0

Both sides had enjoyed a full day's rest on Thursday. Luckily for them the rains stayed away. There are heavy rains forecasted, especially for today. Last year, the South Africa-England game was washed out without a ball being bowled.

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