Off-Colour India Get Thrashed In The Second Test
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 2022-01-07 07:41:59
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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
South Africa bounced back in the second Test and put it across India through some resolute batting in the second innings, especially by captain Dean Elgar, as the normally efficient Indian bowlers had an off day. As the Indian bowling line up surprisingly bowled perfunctorily on the third and fourth day, they never seemed likely to get a wicket. Elgar stood like a rock at one end (he missed a well-deserve century though as he was left stranded on 96) and since the target was not very big, got the runs by cutting out the fancy stuff.
It was cricket at its best as the underdogs were up against a penetrative bowling lineup that has troubled the best of batsmen in the recent past and had bowled them out twice in the first Test at the Centurion to hand a crushing defeat. But it was clear that the South Africans had made up their minds that 227 was a gettable target on the Wanderers pitch if they played with caution. Time was not a factor and they were willing to play the waiting game. The Indian bowlers aided their effort with some pedestrian bowling, much below what they are capable of and usually do.
Although Pujara, Rahane and later Hanuma Vihari, shored up the Indian second innings, it was clear that the target was small. Both the seasoned senior players got out at the wrong time after they had got their eye in and were looking to boost the innings further. The Indians are also getting in a tight corner due to the continued batting failures of Rishabh Pant. With Wriddhiman Saha waiting in the wings, Pant will have to get his act right if he wants to stay in this team.
India will have to get its batting combination right in the third Test if it wants to take the series. As Kohli is likely to come back in the team, India will have to drop one player. Since Vihari batted well at the Wanderers, it will be a difficult choice. Dropping either Pujara or Rahane after their second innings effort will destroy their confidence. Also, Saha should be given a chance as Pant is not delivering. There is no immediate need to tinker with the bowling lineup. Indian batters must get their acts right if the series is to be won.
