may be tougher chance for them to bounce back. because except Kallis and Prince none of their batsmen are in form. So it is very very critical position for Smith and Arthur now.

In Durban, it's difficult to get 250 runs batting first. SA batting has been very fragile and with no Kallis, it's going to be more difficult. If Indian bowlers bowl in right channel and not spray the ball, SA will have a tough time. Lot will depend on how Smith shoulders the opening spell.

I think this is a defensive move, or the wicket is not as fast paced as the Proteas would have liked. If it was, they would have put India in if they had faith in their pace attack. As it is, I think India should try and bowl well and try and exploit any early life, then bat well as the pitch eases.

Hi, This decision is typical of Graeme Smith - be positive even in the face of adversity. You can expect a typical South African counter attack.With De Villiers holding one end up, I would be surprised if Smith does not goe after the bowling after 10 overs, if he lasts that long. They will go for the bowling - they do not have people who can stay and bat - Jacques Rudolf would have been a good replacement for Kallis. Yes, if their attacking ploy comes off they will bounce back.

hi ,
I think it wld be a real challenge for SA. Only thing they have to take care shld be nt to loose early wickets . If they are able to sustain the Indian attack without loosing or max 1 wicket at Lunch they wld become confident and from then on they can take on the indian attack. But Indians as Dravid had told on the eve of creating history in SA, that Indian Team knows SA will come back hard at them. So they wld like to follow the same guidelines of pitching up to batsman and look for some swing,besides using the pace and bounce of wicket .I Expect 3~4 wickets on this track till lunch with Sreesanth -1 , Kumble -1 and z.khan
-2 wickets. All the best Team India..

You never know with the south africans. They play very well as a team and they will be itching to bounce back harder. I also think the absense of Kallis might work in their favour - as they will be resolved to do really well now when the chips are down. Moreover, they are playing in their favourite venue. Indians have to be on their toes.

I think the batting woes will continue for South Africans. The absence of Kallis will be a big blow to South Africans in terms of "experience" which I guess will be mostly required. Also we should not forget that Kallis is an all-rounder. None of the top players are in form, key batsman missing it is very unlikely that SA can bounce back in their first stint of this innigs. However with fresh blood in the bowling department, it can prove lethal to the Indian batting line-up, the Proteas should have bounced the ball and be back in the game if they would have choose to bowl first.

As predicted by many, SA batsmen are struggling. Prince was the only player who played well in J'burg(both the innings). So, it's hard to understand why Prince was not batting at #3. He has very good temparment for test match and good technique to play fast bowling.
Also this same batting order failed them twice in the first test match, so it only makes sense to try something different. Eng is doing the same mistake by batting KP at #5, when he has been the man in some form. Is there some thing I'm missing?

Indians shouldnt celebrate too soon, remember srinath and prasad had gotten SA all out for 234 only for india to capitulate for 100 and 66.
instead of 84 all out SA is 67-3, time india tighten the screws and dismiss them for around 150 (at least less than 200) now with a complete bowling line up (Dale Steyn got injured) indian batsmen will have to bat against a good bowling line up