While fingers may point at Vernon Philander and Dale Steyn for allowing two maidens in the last three overs, we also need to look at a few overs before them when Faf easily allowed a few balls to go past.
When Faf and AB were batting, there was an opportunity to edge closer to the total, and possibly end the game sooner. The Indians did well to bowl a little wide to make it difficult for the Proteas to score, which to a large extend lead to AB’s dismissal. Having said that, South African batsmen needed to be a little more innovative; they needed to send out the message to Indian bowlers saying, “We will keep scoring wherever you bowl at us.”
Sure there were number of attempted dabs to third man, which to me was a wrong approach. The key needed to be playing straighter, in the ‘V’ as they call it. That is one of the areas South Africa could have closed up the game sooner.
It is a good thing South Africa finally showed up to the game, even though it may have been slightly late. While watching their second innings I kept wondering what would have happened had they not have collapsed in the first innings, even a more equal score would have made a major difference.
All of that is in the past and we have to dwell on what is positive, which is, the Proteas showed why they are number one in the world in Test cricket, and no better opponent to test them than the second ranked team in Tests.
Thank you to both teams for entertaining the crowds to the last ball of the match, it was really a Test worth missing your Christmas shopping for.
Going to Durban they will need to address how they are going to win the Test series. Until next time; keep your eye on the ball because this is… Wicket Cricket!
