IND vs SA: 2nd Test – Hosts outmatch Proteas to clinch series
The current Indian bowling attack is surely making a case to be regarded as the greatest in the long history of this proud cricketing nation. The sheer depth and quality in the Indian ranks and the rate at which they are developing is a terrifying prospect for the opposition. It was the bowlers again, who were the stars of the show as India handed South Africa a major defeat by an innings and 137 runs. Enforcing the follow-on after an overnight rest for the bowlers, it took the hosts only 67.2 overs to bundle out the opposition for 189. With an unassailable 2-0 lead, they sealed a 11th successive series victory at home, a truly staggering effort.
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The perfect start
With 5 specialist bowlers in the ranks, Virat Kohli took the bold call of enforcing the follow-on. They still had a massive margin of over 300 runs to play with and putting the pressure back on the Proteas was the logical decision. But had the South African openers got stuck-in, tiredness could have become a major factor. But the veteran Ishant Sharma ensured that India got off to a flying start. He trapped Aiden Markram in front of the wicket, with the opener getting out on a pair in the Pune Test. Umesh Yadav’s comeback story continued as he then incited an edge off the under-pressure de Bruyn, with Saha making no mistakes behind the stumps.
Faf du Plessis finally promoted himself up the order and tried to embark on an epic blockathon. He had the support of Dean Elgar, who is always tenacious and up for a fight. But Ravichandran Ashwin made a major impact by getting rid of the pair in quick succession. Faf was the first one back to the pavilion, with some sensational work by Saha behind the stumps. His catch will be remembered for years to come and will undoubtedly be replayed on a loop. Ashwin then incited a big shot from the usually patient Elgar by tossing one up. The opener could not resist going for the maximum and held out to Umesh Yadav who took a simple catch. South Africa were in all sorts of trouble losing 4 wickets in the first session itself.
Maharaj, Philander again frustrate India
In the post-lunch session, Temba Bavuma decided that attack was the best form of defence. He took an aggressive approach against the spinners, showcasing some classy footwork. Though he lost his partner Quinton de Kock early on, who was bowled by Jadeja, Bavuma continued to plug away. He formed a decent little partnership with Muthusamy, before perishing against Jadeja who was coming into his own. It took a brilliant effort by Rahane in the slips to dismiss him, as India’s excellence on the field again came to the fore. Muthusamy soon followed suit, with Shami’s pacy short delivery being too hot for him to handle.
Philander and Maharaj were now tasked with repeating their exploits from Day 3. And they almost managed to pull it off. They frustrated the Indian bowlers with their sturdy approach, managing to bat out the remainder of the second session. The Indian bowling attack was in desperate need of a break, with tea coming at the most opportune moment.
Umesh, Jadeja wrap things up
Skipper Virat Kohli threw a major surprise by opting to bowl the first over post-tea himself. But that was it, as the frontline bowlers were again tasked with wrapping up things quickly. The pace of a refreshed Umesh Yadav was too much for the Proteas to handle. He delivered a double breakthrough in a single over, which broke the back of the opposition. First, he managed to induce an edge off Philander’s bat, which was expertly grabbed by the excellent Saha. In the final delivery of the same over, Yadav then dismissed Rabada with Rohit Sharma gleefully accepting the gift in the slip cordon.
Ravindra Jadeja finally ended proceedings in the next over, trapping Maharaj, who would use up a tactical review. It ended up in vain as hawk-eye showed that the ball was crashing on to the stumps. India again outmatched and outgunned their opponents to pick up a massive victory as their dominant streak continued.
