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Friday, December 06, 2013

SAF Series - Predictable, huge win for the hosts

The Indian team started their sojourn with a huge loss after conceding one of the largest totals that South Africa had scored in ODIs. The only silver lining in this defeat was the fact that the team had many players who will be playing most of the matches on tour and this was the best practice they could gain of the conditions they would mostly face against the best opposition eleven.

Mohit and Bhuvi did well to trouble the batsmen at the beginning on a pitch that helped the bowlers. But, they could not get the breakthroughs to make it a better day in the park. Shami was the one who picked wickets regularly and it was a surprise to see Dhoni bring Kohli in the latter overs to stem the bowling. Ashwin and Jadeja did their bit but they are not expected to be a big threat to the home team on these conditions. It will be a big experience for the bowlers if they can learn from this mauling and come back after seeing the performance of their rivals.

Similarly, Dhawan, Rohit and Virat must have good experience against the bowlers (not for long though). They understand that the ask in front of them is big and they have no time for learning. It is important that they see how their captain is making necessary changes in his game and continue to adapt to the bounce and seam. Only when they continue to show their learning they have displayed all over the world, they will be able to take steps to become greater batsmen for their country.

The last few years, fans had been cribbing of how the Golden Oldies were preventing the youngsters out of the team. It is the turn of the young brigade now - the world is looking at them and if they can pass the examination with flying colors, it will be great not only for them but for the country also. The first step was a loss but it will mean more if the team can win even one match against the marauding South Africans.

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