So India
just marginally bettered their miserable overseas record. As the first test was
drawn avoiding series of whitewash defeats in test matches. This is little
consolation from the earlier 0-4 losses, when it was expected to get 0-2
thrashing by world no.1 side in their own backyard, India escaped with 0-1.
India missed great opportunity to capitalize on a splendid 197 for one on
second day morning of the second test and got out at 334, in the first innings.
This apart, there are quite few positives for India to take especially in
batting department. Post Sachin, Rahul and VVS Laxman`s exit. India was
extremely pleased with the trio- Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat
Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane`s splendid performances against deadly South African attack.
Virat settled doubts about his overseas batting ability. Pujara continues his hunger
for runs, form, methodical and technically sound display on foreign soil also.
But biggest find was Ajinkya Rahane`s solidity at no.6. Rahane showed lot of
maturity, technique and temperament for India to look hopeful for the brighter
future. Only disappointments were in from Shikhar Dhawan and
Rohit Sharma`s failures. These two will get more chances to show their ability
to bat better outside Indian subcontinent. Captain Dhoni at no.7 also was just
below average.
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| Cheteshwar Pujara |
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| Ajinkya Rahane |
However the biggest worry continues to be Indian bowling – pace as well
as spin. South Africa exposed the limits of Indian attack once again after
fifth day of first test, when they almost chased improbable 458.India failed to
stop hosts scoring 500 and thereby dominating the rest of the match and finally
winning it at ease with 10 wickets. With a good wicket Indian pacers Zaheer
Khan, Ishant Sharma and Mohammad Shami failed to make any impression. India`s
spin trump card at home R. Ashwin, had to make way for Raivndra Jadeja who
bowled very well to take 6 wickets. This
is the only plus if Jadeja manages to remain consistent. Pacers look very ordinary
when there is no help from the pitch. India needs to look beyond ageing Zaheer
Khan. Ishant Sharma failed to deliver much after he shown some hope in the
first test. Mohammad Shami will get better with the more exposure; even he
himself was upset about his final test performance. To win you have to have the
bowling attack to be able to take 20 wickets of opposition. After five One
Dayers` India would play 2 tests in February on New Zealand tour, with almost
same bowling unit except addition of new comer Ishwar Pandey.
Pragyan Ojha is dropped from the squad, who anyway did not have any match on
the tour. As far captaincy MS
Dhoni continues without much competition after 52 tests as captain. Has got the
challenge to build new look team India which also performs well overseas.
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