The 22 yards

Most of the pre-match reports suggest that the track at the Green Park will offer plenty of assistance to the spinners. But in the last five Tests here, both fast bowlers and spinners have done equally well. While no pacer has taken a five-for here since 1980, they’ve still managed a reasonable average, and a better strike-rate than spinners at this venue.

Team news

Anil Kumble will only decide whether he is fit enough to play or not on Friday morning. The Indian captain is struggling with a groin strain, but all the other doubtful members in the squad have been cleared to play. If the captain is fit, India may play three spinners. South Africa, meanwhile, are considering playing two spinners as well.

History lessons

•India have won four, lost three and drawn 12 out of the 19 matches played at the Green Park, Kanpur, where the third and final Test match of the series between India and South Africa will be played from April 11 to 15.

•Kanpur’s Green Park stadium, situated close to the river Ganges, accommodates 39,255 spectators.

•With India in a must-win situation going into the last match of the series, they’ll be happy about the fact that they have never lost a Test match in Kanpur since 1984.

•But what will give South Africa some hope is the fact that results have been hard to come by here. Twelve of the last 16 Tests have been drawn. On the flip side, two of the last three games have produced results, India winning both.

... contd.