India Win Big, But Brittle Middle Order Is A Cause For Concern
Holding an extreme view and carting the ball out of the park is what interests him most. He is a hard hitter at all times. Fasten your seatbelts and read.
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By Slogger
First publised on 2021-12-31 06:37:41
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Holding an extreme view and carting the ball out of the park is what interests him most. He is a hard hitter at all times. Fasten your seatbelts and read.
View all posts by this Author
India breached Fort Centurion and became the first Asian nation to record a Test win at the ground by thrashing South Africa by 113 runs in the first Test. On a pitch that afforded uneven bounce and much purchase to the seamers, the India bowlers proved (although given their performance for the last few years, it no longer requires proving) that they are capable of bowling out the opposition twice in a Test anywhere in the world.
The toss proved crucial once again and when India posted in excess of 300 in the first innings, they immediately gained an upper hand against the largely inexperienced South African side. The Indian opening pair of KL Rahul and Mayanak Agarwal frustrated the opposition bowlers by notching up a century plus opening stand. Although the India middle and lower order, barring Ajinkye Rahane who scored a patient 48, caved in once again. Captain Virat Kohli (35) once again wasted a good start.
The Indian bowlers then got into the act and dismissed the South Africans for just 197. Mohammed Shami was at his devastating best (prompting Virat Kohli to say that he is among the top three bowlers in the world today), taking 5 for 44. Barring Bavuma and De Cock, and a late charge by Rabada, none of the batters stayed at the wicket for any length of time.
India's second innings showed how far the pitch had deteriorated. They were dismissed for 174 with a-run-a-ball 34 late in the innings by Rishabh Pant giving the bowlers something to bowl at. India set SA a target of 305 but it was clear that they would not get to it.
Jasprit Bumrah and Md Siraj were the chief wreckers in the South African second innings, with support from Shami and Ashwin. Skipper Dean Edgar (77) tired to play the role of sheet anchor to ward off defeat and found some support from Bavuma and De Cock but the relentless on-spot bowling by the Indians was too much to handle. They were excellently backed by the fielders.
While the Indian bowlers brought glory to the country, there were too many negatives on the batting front. Pujara and Rahane continue to display hesitancy and given the bench strength the team management will have to take a decision soon on whether they should be persisted with. Kohli will also have to make adjustments to his batting and ensure that he does not waste good starts. The absence of a good allrounder is also hurting India. Despite the resounding win, India will have to address these problems going into the second Test.
