India’s heavy defeat to South Africa was a debacle waiting to happenWritten by: Editor on 9th February 2010
 
Choosing four pace bowlers instead of beefing up the batting was always going to hand the initiative to South Africa There’s something about Nagpur. In the geographical heart of India, this city of oranges, something in the air makes opposition pacemen bowl jaffas. Jason Gillespie took nine for 80 at the old stadium in town as Australia ended 35 years of hurt with a crushing 342-run victory in 2004. Matthew Hoggard then gave a swing-bowling masterclass 18 months later, with India surviving only because of the obduracy of Mohammad Kaif and Anil Kumble. Dale Steyn outdid them both at the new venue on the outskirts, though, summoning up memories of Marshall Law as India were annihilated inside four days. Malcolm Marshall took 33 wickets in six Tests back in 1983, with his ability to move the ball both ways at furious pace contributing hugely to innings wins at Kanpur and Kolkata. Steyn, who like Marshall does not intimidate you physically like, say, Colin Croft did, has now taken 25 at 16.44 in four games in India. Two of those matches have been won by an innings. Not once in a completed innings has he taken less than three. On the third day of this game, he was just unstoppable. Great spells of reverse swing are not that rare in India, with the pitches so abrasive, but you seldom see the new ball wreak such havoc. Murali Vijay was set up with a couple of outswingers before one darted back and took off‑stump as he shouldered arms. Across the world, Ian Bell would have winced in sympathy. Sachin Tendulkar drove one outswinger fluently through the covers for four. The next ball he faced from Steyn was fractionally shorter and slightly closer to middle stump. Instead of the ball streaking past mid-off, it took the outside edge through to Mark Boucher. With South Africa having 558 on the board, the game had already become all about survival. “In the last 12 months, this was the best display of conventional swing bowling as far as I’m concerned,” said MS |
Latest Headlines
In The News
Andy Murray may decide who becomes Davis Cup captain• LTA may ask Murray for his input • World No4 likely to favour Maclagan or Smith Andy Murray is emerging as the kingmaker of ...
Andy Murray may decide who becomes Davis Cup captain• LTA may ask Murray for his input • World No4 likely to favour Maclagan or Smith Andy Murray is emerging as the kingmaker of British tennis as the LTA agonises over who should...
Fabio Capello can relax: this England spying game lacks intelligence | Marina HydeWhy the bugging affair should be the least of the FA's worries in the lead-up to the World Cup Behind closed doors, you can't imagine. Behind closed doors, is where it happens...
Fabio Capello can relax: this England spying game lacks intelligence | Marina HydeWhy the bugging affair should be the least of the FA's worries in the lead-up to the World Cup Behind closed doors, you can't imagine. Behind closed doors, is where it happens. That's...
Fabio Capello can relax: this England spying game lacks intelligence | Marina HydeWhy the bugging affair should be the least of the FA's worries in the lead-up to the World Cup Behind closed doors, you can't imagine. Behind... |
|