IND vs SA: The Indian team had a tough outing in the first test match of the 2-match series. The batters struggled to put on a big total, while bowlers had a tough time bowling in the right areas. Except for the early threat posed by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, debutant Prasidh Krishna and the experienced Shardul Thakur lacked consistency.
The poor show ultimately led to India’s downfall at Centurion, breaking their decades-long dream of winning their first test series in the Rainbow nation.
According to former legendary South African pacer Alla Donald, South Africa capitalised on the conditions better than Indian bowlers by consistently pitching the ball in a specific area, allowing it to generate movement off the deck.
“I know South Africa probably got the better of the conditions, no questions about that. They pitched the ball in a 5 and 5.5 metre area and gave it a chance to do something off the deck. But what they did better than India…they were more patient in that area and even they used the short ball a little bit more in the second innings,” PTI quoted Donald as saying.
“They (Indian bowlers) quickly reverted to shorter balls and then lost their length a bit on the shorter side and then got opened up on either side – square leg, off side and SA batters capitalised,” the 57-year-old added.
Analysing the upcoming Test at Newlands, Donald explained that Cape Town presents a different challenge compared to Centurion, as the wickets are flatter, requiring more creativity and prolonged partnerships.
“Come Cape Town, it will be hard work and there will be a lot more energy from both teams. Cape Town will be hard work and it will bring honesty out of both the attacks,” Donald said.
“The massive emphasis is on the new ball because traditionally if there's a South westerly wind blowing across Newlands, then you know that is going to dry the pitch up. But not in any way or form I think the pitch will turn,” the former South African pacer hinted that India might drop playing Ravichandran Ashwin at Newlands.
Donald suggested the importance of a fuller length with the new ball, especially in the first 25 to 30 overs, followed by a mix of pace variations.
“But your first innings bowling could reward you, if you pitch the new ball a bit fuller and try to swing it for the first 25 to 30 overs. And then start mixing your pace,” Donald noted.
India and South Africa will face off in the final test of the series from January 3 onwards.
