There's been always been a healthy dose of conjecture in sport and cricket is no exception. 

Proteas fans have dabbled in this a fair bit of late in reply to some conjecture that Australia have beaten India and so the pressure is on South Africa to do the same.

Well, to put it simply, judging by the nailbiter that Australia were lucky to pull off in the recent series Down Under, the Aussies wouldn't stand a chance in India. 

'The Proteas' spin-doctors have the Indians at sixes and sevens'


South Africa have a much better record in the sub-continent and they are likely to be the first to circumnavigate 'the Himalayas' and come away from India with the Treble (victory over Pakistan, India and Bangladesh in a season).

So intent are the Proteas on achieving this goal, that they have the old kitchen sink in the squad. Throwing everything at the Indians is the only way to do it. The Indians have been sapped by a long tough tour of Australia and they face the IPL series immediately after the South African tour. 

The Proteas' spin-doctors have the Indians at sixes and sevens. Monde Zondeki has been popped out the hat, the likelihood of Andre Nel and Charl Langeveldt appearing for the second Test is being waved about like an ominous red flag - and South Africa have managed to secure the underdog spot ensuring the lion's share of pressure will be dumped on the Indians.

The true South African tactics will only be revealed as the tour progresses, but India as host might feel a little uncomfortable should the kitchen sink come flying down the pitch during the first Test.  

I noticed Mark Boucher had an evil grin when questioned about the new sledging laws. I anticipate some brinkmanship testing the nerves of some jittery Indians after their 'season of spite' in Australia.

If Boucher leads a sledging charge through the Indians, they'll be on the backfoot at home. I'm sure the Aussies would love to see Harbhajan Singh mumbling after the South African media has had another go at him, even if it's purely manufactured! What a luxury!