SA vs IND: 2nd Test Review – Dean Elgar’s heroics break India’s Johannesburg streak
Dean Elgar’s captain’s knock took South Africa to a magnificent seven-wicket in the second Test. Having lost the opening clash by 113 runs, the Proteas were under immense pressure heading into this clash. Moreover, the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg had been India’s happy hunting ground in the past. However, the home team took the challenge head-on and walked away with a brilliant win, levelling the three-match series 1-1.
Momentum rode on a rollercoaster in this contest as Test cricket of the highest quality was on display. Team India missed regular skipper Virat Kohli in the batting order as the KL Rahul-led side got bundled out for 202 while batting first. However, Shardul Thakur’s seven-wicket haul meant South Africa only posted 229 and only managed a 27-run lead in the first innings.
Veterans Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane got their mojo back in India’s third innings and scored half-centuries. As a result, South Africa were asked to chase 240 on a challenging surface. While not many back the hosts to cross the line, Elgar’s unbeaten 96 meant South Africa won the rain-curtailed contest on Day 4.
Top Performers of the Match
Dean Elgar
It was indeed a captain’s knock from Dean Elgar as he had a stern task ahead. Quinton de Kock’s sudden retirement from Test cricket depleted South Africa’s batting line-up in this series. Moreover, India’s pace attack is arguably the best at the moment. However, Elgar overcame all these challenges and scored a fighting 96. The southpaw might not have scored a century but he did manage to take his side over the line.
Shardul Thakur
With the likes of Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj being in the ranks, Shardul Thakur was seen as the weakest cog of this Indian bowling line-up. However, the pacer stunned the cricket world by taking a career-best seven-fer in South Africa’s first innings. The pacer also slammed an important 28 to keep his side in the hunt.
Stats and Milestones
- Dean Elgar scored his third 50-plus score against India in the fourth innings of a Test. He is now joint-top with Mathew Hayden, Javed Miandad, Mahela Jayawardene, and Tom Latham to record as many scores.
- Shardul Thakur’s figures of 7/61 are best by an Indian bowler in South Africa Tests.
What next for both teams?
With the series being poised at 1-1, the third and final Test is now a decider. The action will get underway on January 11 at the Newlands in Cape Town. Hence, fans must buckle up to witness another exciting Test match. India will have some selection dilemmas if regular skipper Virat Kohli comes back in the XI. On the other hand, a confident South African side will like to extend their dominance against India in home Tests.
