India drew the two-test series 1-1 by winning the second test at Eden Gardens, Kolkata by an innings and 57 runs. With this India maintains its No.1 ranking and wins a cash prize of 1 million dollars.
SCORECARD: India vs South Africa, I Test, Nagpur, 2010
SCORECARD: India vs South Africa, II Test, Kolkata, 2010
Amla’s Heroics
Hashim Amla scored centuries in all the three opportunities he got. His double century at Nagpur ensured the Proteas a strong score to put pressure on injury-hit weakened Indian batting line-up. After his side was reduced to 6 for 2 by Zaheer Khan, he along with fluent Kallis forged a record partnership against India in India. He almost won this test series for his side with his excellent stubborn act in the second innings of Kolkata test. But his effort was undone by his peers. They found wanting when their team needed them most. Anyhow Proteas can’t shed their Choker’s tag.
Steyn’s Incisive Spell
India batsmen were clearly rattled by Steyn’s pace and swing in Nagpur. It is always nice to see a Fast bowler operating in that fashion. After the retirement (Test Cricket) of Bond’s injury-hit career, in Steyn we have a genuine fast bowler. Like he said before this series, the pitch does not matter to a fast bowler with genuine pace and swing. Actually his spell decimated Indians from that Nagpur match more than anything else.
Sehwag’s Blitzkrieg & Sachin’s Master Class
Sehwag and Sachin’s tons in the first innings went in vain due to lack of support from other end. But in the second test they forged an excellent partnership which took India to a safe position. South African bowlers who were looking menacing in the first test looked clueless in the Kolkata test against Sehwag’s onslaught and Sachin’s Master class.
VVS & Dhoni
VVS Laxman, who missed the first test due to an injury, boosted the struggling India batting line-up. His mere presence in the middle-order gave the Indian team a calming assurance. He and Captain Dhoni took India to a position where they can dictate terms against opposition.
Bhajji Comes Good
Zaheer Khan was bowling without much support from other Indian bowlers. Bhajji, who had a horrible first test, was suddenly firing on all cylinders. He reduced Proteas to a paltry score. He again comes good in the second innings. He was ably supported by Amit Mishra in the second innings. Infact Mishra was the one who struck vital blows for India.
This test series throws few interesting observation. One: India always struggled against genuine talent. Second, Proteas always faltered at important moments. Indians were clearly rattled by Steyn’s talent (pace and swing). In the past, India always struggled against likes of Mendis, Akthar, Afridi, Bond and others when they were first encountered. On successive encounters Indian players became more comfortable against some of them. Everyone knew the preparation Sachin had put on to tackle Warne before the test series started in 1998-99. So, Indian batters were always comfortable against Warne. Second observation is a most well known thing. Another interesting observation is that against all oppositions, India mostly struggled against South Africans. Even against Australia, they have fair amount of success. What may be the reason?
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