The last Test match at the Green Park was between India and South Africa; it ended in a tame draw. Almost four years later Test cricket returns to Kanpur, with the third and deciding match of the Future Cup involving the same teams.

The rivalry

To say that the visitors are favourites going into the match would be an understatement. South Africa not only thrashed India in the second Test at Motera, but also won the psychological battle in the opening encounter of the three-Test series at Chepauk, dominating four of the five days played.

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The Proteas also did well to draw when the teams last played at the venue in November 2004. However, India beat South Africa by a whopping 280 runs when the teams first played at Green Park in the third and deciding Test of the 1996-97 series, the victory ensuring India pocketed the series 2-1.

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This upcoming Test also happens to be a decider, though the decision can go in favour of only one team. The beneficiary in this case is South Africa, as India cannot win the series. If they lose, or even draw, the visitors will walk away with the Future Cup.

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Victory, on the other hand, will help India square the series and avoid the ignominy of a home loss. So, definitely, there's a lot to play for.

The history

The Green Park isn't famous as a result-oriented venue. Of the 19 Tests it hosted in almost 57 years, 12 ended draws. And of the seven matches that did produce results, three happened to be the first matches to be played on this venue.

Between India's win over Australia in 1959 and their triumph over the same opposition in October 1979, the Green Park witnessed as many as seven straight stalemates.

However, from an Indian perspective, the ground is favourable. The home team has a 4-3 record at the venue and the last of those three defeats came against the West Indies [Images] almost 25 years back. So, expecting yet another draw might not be a far-fetched idea.

The teams

India has a lot of fitness woes going into the Test, the biggest of them being the skipper, Anil Kumble [Images]. While he did play in Motera despite the concerns, his condition hasn't improved. With Sachin Tendulkar [Images] already ruled out, Kumble not playing could be a double blow for the hosts.

Most of the home players did not look fit during the practice session on Thursday but Kumble brushed aside any doubts with an "all are fit" explanation. The only person who he couldn't defend was his own self.

India could play three spinners (provided Kumble does play) considering the nature of the wicket and Piyush Chawla looks the likely beneficiary.

The South Africans have no fitness worries. However, they might as well opt for a two-pronged spin attack, bringing in Robin Petersen ahead of a fast bowler. That could be the only change in their otherwise winning combination.

The pitch

The Green Park has always been considered a batsman's paradise, offering a little help for the spinners as the match progresses. Today too it is not any different. After the debacle at Motera, whatever grass was there on the wicket was shaved off to an extent that it is being criticised as under-prepared.

So, instead of a green turf, which resulted in an Indian batting collapse in the second Test, the ground is one where cracks have surfaced even before a ball is bowled. There are doubts if the wicket will sustain for five days. Some are of the opinion that the pitch will crumble from the third day.

In such a case, the toss is bound to play a crucial role, more so from the Indian point of view. And though the 20th Test at Kanpur is likely to follow the path chartered by its 12 predecessors, India will have to give a 100 per cent effort and hope things go their way.