With an emphatic 174 run win at Durban, South Africa leveled the Test series against Team India. There was a glimmer of hope that the weather gods would come to the rescue of the Indians but it turned out to be otherwise. Team India surrendered meekly to a disciplined South African attack. The defeat thoroughly exposed the Indian batting and their incapability to handle an accurate and intelligent seam attack by the South Africans. Once again Indian batsmen failed to adapt themselves and were knocked out like 9 pins. The Indians began their day with already two down on the board. Just when Jaffer was settling down, a bad shot cost him his wicket. Ganguly and Laxman failed to deliver and things looked bleak for India.
It was Dhoni who fought back into the South African camp with his explosive and inimitable batting style in the company of Zaheer Khan. Their useful partnership just delayed the inevitable. Looking at the way the Indian batsmen surrendered to the South Africans, it makes us think as to what is lacking with the team. The dismissals of Sachin and Dravid go onto suggest that they have been getting out in a similar fashion. It is ironical that these two experienced campaigners have not been able to correct themselves. The Indians have been longing for a good opening partnership, so that the middle order batsmen have the confidence to build on the solid start provided by the openers. Probably we need to look at giving a chance to Gautham Gambhir and take a relook at Sehwag. On the bowling front VRV Singh could make way for Munaf Patel if the latter is fit in time. Or otherwise look at a double spin attack with the 'Turbanator' Harbhajan making it into the team, which is most unlikely to happen as the South African tracks have been bouncy and conducive to seam bowling.
It was Dhoni who fought back into the South African camp with his explosive and inimitable batting style in the company of Zaheer Khan. Their useful partnership just delayed the inevitable. Looking at the way the Indian batsmen surrendered to the South Africans, it makes us think as to what is lacking with the team. The dismissals of Sachin and Dravid go onto suggest that they have been getting out in a similar fashion. It is ironical that these two experienced campaigners have not been able to correct themselves. The Indians have been longing for a good opening partnership, so that the middle order batsmen have the confidence to build on the solid start provided by the openers. Probably we need to look at giving a chance to Gautham Gambhir and take a relook at Sehwag. On the bowling front VRV Singh could make way for Munaf Patel if the latter is fit in time. Or otherwise look at a double spin attack with the 'Turbanator' Harbhajan making it into the team, which is most unlikely to happen as the South African tracks have been bouncy and conducive to seam bowling.
Full credits to South Africa for their win and it is high time that Team India rejuvenates itself and plays well. With the series level, the third Test proves to be a good tussle between the bat and the ball.
courtesy:timesofindia
courtesy:timesofindia
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