India’s carrom-baller, spin wizard Ashwin bids adieu to international cricket
India's decorated off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin announced his decision to retire from international cricket moments after the Brisbane Test ended in a draw.
India failed to take advantage of the situation after South Africa were bowled out for 286 runs, as the visitors lost their three top order batsmen just for 28 runs on the first day of the first Test against south Africa at Newlands on Friday.
On the back-foot due to the early exit of explosive Indian openers Murali Vijay (1) and Shikhar Dhawan (16), the spectators were expecting an exploding innings from the Indian skipper. But Virat Kohli failed to impress and was sent back by Morne Morkel for 5.
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Cheteshwar Pujara and Rohit Sharma took the charge on the second day, but soon were sent back to the pavilion. Virat’s side lost half of the wicket even before reaching 100 runs. As the second day ended, visitors were bowled out for 209 runs and hosts had taken a lead of 142 runs.
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When visitors had reached South Africa, they were high on confidence with their golden win over Sri Lanka in the recently concluded series. But it seems as if they were just not ready for all the pace, bounce and movement that Newlands pitch provide to the bowlers.
Proteas pacers Vernon Philander (3/33), Dale Steyn (2/51), Morne Morkel (2/57) and Kagiso Rabada (3/34) took advantage of India’s struggle.
As per reports of www.sport24.co.za, while talking about South African pacers, Pujara said, “This is one of the best bowling attacks I’ve faced. You know that is their strength and you need to know how to counter-attack.”
“All of their bowlers have done well, especially in South Africa. They know which areas to bowl in.”
“At the same time, when I bat I don’t look at the bowler or the bowling line-up. I just try and a look at the ball and keep it simple. I would rather concentrate on what I want to do rather than whether they have the best bowlers in the world. It hardly matters … if you bat well, you can score runs,” Pujara added.
However, there is good news for Virat Kohli and his side as Dale Steyn has been ruled out from the match.
On third day, South Africa will resume their second innings at 65/2 with a lead of 142.
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