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Sunday, December 26, 2010

SA Series - Same story, different ground

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA - DECEMBER 26:   Dale Ste...Impressive Bowling again by SteynThe script-writer of the current test series between the No.1 and No.2 test matches in the World was at it again. The story was the same even though the series had moved to Durban - the pitch might have behaved a bit better this time while the Indian team had gained confidence thanks to their showing in the second innings of the first test at Centurion. The score at the end of the day feels better but it could have been much more in favor of the Indians if not for poor execution of shots.

Sehwag and Sachin were guilty of throwing their bat at balls which could have been left alone. Murali Vijay and Dravid were unlucky to get balls from the champion Steyn that were unplayable. Laxman was also cut short by a brilliant catch by Tsotsobe - he seemed to have got in groove for a long innings but he was also left speechless at the catch that sent him back to the dressing room. Pujara gritted out and spent more time than Suresh Raina spent in both the innings of the first test match but his ill-advised pull to a ball outside the off brought his downfall. Dhoni and Harbhajan are at the crease playing a sensible game and adding invaluable runs for India at this stage.

For South Africa, they must be happy at the end of Day 1. If the light had not become bad, they might have made even more inroads into the Indian lineup. There was an injury scare for Steyn which will be known later today. India must hope that he doesnt recover - for his impact on the test match and series is becoming overpowering. The time lost in this test match will become critical - 34 overs were lost today and if it happens regularly, it will be a draw rather than any other result. Even then, you never know, South Africa showed how quickly they can score against the Indians in the last test. So far, it is advantage South Africa
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