India’s Tour of South Africa - Joy Short Lived

First ever test win in South Africa set high expectations from the Indian Team in the rest of the series. It was wonderful moment for the Indian cricket to win in South Africa after 12 years. Now India have won test against all the test playing nations, late though.

The joy was short lived when India squandered their chances to win the series. Indians had the psychological advantage of being 1 up in the 3 test series. India’s loss in Durban was not a surprise. Durban is one of the bouncy tracks in the world and the Indian players were always short of technique playing on the bouncy track. But the loss in Newlands, Capetown was really hurting. Blame it on the senior players who never really showed any courage or technique to counter attack the Proteas. Bowlers had done a wonderful job on the tour.

First Test – Potchesfroom - Johannesburg, SA

Indian’s had performed really well to turn the tables on South Africa. Santhakumaran Sreesanth bowled India to first ever test victory in South Africa. South Africa had no answers for the exceptionally good bowling performance. Sreesanth was able to move the ball off the seam consistently which won him laurels from the senior players like Allan Donald, Wasim Akram etc. Senior players Sachin, Sourav & Laxman had done well to complement the good bowling performance.

South Africa were reduced to 83 all out lowest ever total for South Africa. And South Africa could not recover from the shocking batting surrender. Sreesanth had taken his first ever 5 wickets haul. India deserved to be the winners.

Second Test – Kingsmead - Durban, SA

India never looked comfortable in Durban. And it was evident from the batting performances of the Indian players. Sehwag’s lack of application really dented the chance of a good opening partnership. Indian’s were two down by the end of the 5th over in both the innings. Never really looked convincing to face the pace and bounce.

India did fancy their chance of winning the test but for the batting performance. South Africans dominated the test. Ashwell Prince played well both in the first as well as second test. South Africa won the test without any tough fight from the Indian’s.

Third Test – Newlands – Capetown, SA

Though India had started off well making a first innings total of 414 they had lost their way in the final two days of the test. The efforts of Pollock & Boucher to reduce India’s first innings lead proved to be vital in the match. South Africa’s chances of winning the match would have been weak but for the partnership between Pollock & Boucher.

The pitch was conducive to spin which was shocking even to the South African team. The pitch suited the Indian players. It was really pathetic to see India struggle on the fourth day with none of the senior players showing any kind of courage. When Indian’s were two down very early Ganguly & Dravid played really well to bail India out of trouble. The scoring rate was very good and South Africa lost their hopes of winning the test. But one poor shot from Sourav Ganguly triggered the South African bowling rifles. Sachin & Dravid struggled to counter attack allowing the South African bowlers to settle down. Sachin was struggling at the crease. This was a crucial period in the second innings where the South African started to dominate. And to add to the India’s plight Laxman ran himself out. Time would be a waste commenting about Virender Sehwag’s batting form.

India had spilt a great as well as rare chance to win a series away from home.

Take Aways – SA Tour

1. Sreesanth proved that he had the ability and talent to become India’s spearhead. He had showed character, commitment & aggression which was absent in almost all the fast bowlers India had produced.

2. Zaheer Khan – Made a good comeback. Bowling as well as his fitness has improved tremendously. With the world cup around the corner India has found answers in the bowling department.

3. Sourav Ganguly – proved that there is lot of cricket left in him. He showed the courage, commitment & technique to face the South African challenge. He was written off prematurely and everybody started to spread the wrong message that it was end of the road for Sourav. But such difficult time strengthens the mental stamina. And Sourav proved every one wrong with his bat.

4. Dinesh Karthik – Had showed lot of character. He played really well in the last test for his 63 & 38 n.o. He had done well behind the stumps as well. Dhoni cannot afford to be complacent else he might lose his place as a keeper.

Lessons Learnt – SA Tour

1. Never rely on a single player in the name of match winner. Virender Sehwag should be made to sit out like Zaheer, Ganguly, Irfan Pathan, Mohammed Kaif & Suresh Raina. He will learn the lesson which Zaheer & Sourav have mastered.

2. Never trust a bowler completely when he declares himself fit to play. Munaf Patel ruined India’s chances by declaring himself fit but struggled to bowl well in the final test. Harbhajan would have taken his place and the equation would have been different.

3. Never underestimate the prowess of player like Dinesh Karthik, Sourav Ganguly etc.