JOHANNESBURG, Jan.1- Victorious India will look even more at the same when Test 2 against South Africa kicks off at the Wanderers on Monday, but for locals there is a lot to think about as they try to level the series on the ground, where visitors have never been beaten.
India's comprehensive 113-point first-round victory built on a strong opening day with the bat and impressive attacking pace on spicy wicket, setting them up for a first-ever series victory in South Africa.
Injury aside, India is unlikely to change teams, although the form of hitters Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane remains under scrutiny.
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The tourists won on their last visit to The Wanderers in 2018, a courageous performance over difficult wicket which captain Virat Kohli said paved the way for his recent successes abroad, especially in Australia and England.
“It's a good start for us,” Kohli said. "It's always a tough place to play against South Africa. Last time around we were very confident in Johannesburg. It's a ground we love to play on."
India have recorded two wins and three draws in their five previous events at the venue.
South Africa will be forced to make at least one change, with wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock will still miss the last two games of the series during his paternity leave. However, he subsequently made his absence from the five-day format permanent after unexpectedly announcing his retirement after the first test loss.
Kyle Verreynne kept the wicket in De Kock's absence in the West Indies in June and will likely get the nod again, although capless left-hander Ryan Rickelton has been in excellent batting form in domestic cricket.
The home side could select Duanne Olivier as their fifth seam option in place of spinner Keshav Maharaj, who failed to take a wicket in first test and didn't throw anything in India's second innings.
They are likely to remain confident in 21-year-old left arm seamer Marco Jansen, who took 5-124 on his debut in the first test and progressed into the game after a slow start.
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"I don't think we will lack any confidence heading into Johannesburg, but losing a game is never pleasant, especially when we know where we went wrong," said South African captain Dean Elgar.
"It is difficult to correct these mistakes during a game, but from the second test we will have a little time to think about what happened."
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