Flashback: India’s last Test in Cape Town
With the series tied 1-1, South Africa and India headed into the third Test of the series at Newlands, Cape Town. With a historic Test series win just one step away, India captain Virat Kohli won the toss and elected to bat first. However, the decision wasn’t vindicated by his side with no batter occupying the crease.
As a result, captain Kohli held one end playing a brilliant knock of 79 (201) to help India get to 223. In reply, South Africa were bundled out for 210 with Keegan Petersen top-scoring with 72 (116) while Jasprit Bumrah scalped 5/42 for India.
In the second innings, India had another collective batting failure with wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant being the lone warrior with his valiant century. Pant remained unbeaten on 100 off 139 balls smashing six fours and four sixes as India set a target of 212 runs.
Controversial finish
India got off to a good start dismissing Aiden Markram early in the innings. However, a controversy erupted on Day 3 as South African skipper Dean Elgar was trapped in front of the stumps by Ravichandran Ashwin in the 21st over. On-field umpire Marais Erasmus straightaway lifted his finger signalling him out.
However, Elgar immediately reviewed the decision and the replays showed the ball going over the stumps hence the decision was overturned. The Indian team was in utter disbelief seeing the ball tracking and Ashwin immediately expressed his displeasure in the stump mic and said “Find better ways to win SuperSport.”
Kohli also seemed irked by the entire situation and asked the cameraman to focus on South African players as well while shining the ball “Focus on your team as well when they shine the ball eh? Not just the opposition… trying to catch people all the time,” said Kohli.
Meanwhile, KL Rahul accused the entire South Africa of working together to bring India’s downfall. After the controversy, India could never make a comeback and South Africa won the match by seven wickets. Hence, once again failed to conquer their final frontier and lost the series by 2-1. Notably, it was also Kohli’s last Test series as captain as he immediately resigned after the series loss.
