Indian tour of South Africa, December-January 2010/11

[SaiSrini]

Well done South Africa. After that first day, there was no way India could have saved this match without help from the weather. Hope we come back in Durban.

Hope Raina is replaced, and its not Vijay but Pujara. Pujara is the ideal guy to replace Raina. We need solidity in these conditions, and Pujara is better than Vijay.

 

[ZoraxDoom]

Looks like Sachin wasn't even bothered about trying to save the match.

 

[deepuparayil]

That's really disappointing to see what Sachin did there, he can at least try to avoid that innings defeat.

He gave up without trying and that is not right even if he is god or what ever.

 

[SaiSrini]

He was hoping for bad weather, and when he saw that it was so bright and sunny, his hopes went down. Thats what I decipher from the way he played today. Cant give up hope like that, especially when you are such a huge legend of the game.

 

[AbhishekS]

I think Sachin wished to remain not out on his 50th test ton.

 

[stefan]

Easy win for the boys. India showed some fight but that's all that can be really be said about them.

 

[relentless_rock]

Not happy with our bowlers, showing no persistent aggression to get SA wickets, didn't enjoy the captaincy of Dhoni how he even failed to check the scoring rate. It was like David and Goliath, the way our bowlers got mistreated by SA batsmen.

Only saving grace was Sehwag-Gambhir partnership, expected resistance from Dravid and a good counterattack from Dhoni - Tendulkar partnership.

Gutted that Tendulkar allowed such an easy fold up job for last 2 wickets. Very questionable attitude. Lastly Dhoni's admission in post match interview that Zaheer's inclusion in team for next match would mean bowlers getting advise on plan B if plan A doesn't work. I mean what are captains for?!? if bowlers fail to succeed with their approach shouldn't the captain come in and clearly state what he wants of them. Early, I only had one apprehension about Dhoni's lack of confidence in his bowlers, but today it gave me the impressionn that he even shirks away from responsibility n accountability.

 

[ZoraxDoom]

Yea, I always got the impression Dhoni really didn't have that much faith in the bowlers in test matches, especially with all those flat pitches.

The Captain should be able to come up with plans, set fields, and ask the bowlers to bowl accordingly. And similarly, the bowlers should be able to follow through with the plans.

That's what Morkel and Steyn did so brilliantly, and to a lesser extent Harris and Kallis. They bowled to their plans when the pitch didn't suit them.

Ishant and Sree don't have that ability, atleast by the look of things. It may just be that they seem so wayward and without control because Dhoni is telling them to do they're own thing and they're bowling without patience looking for wickets.

But yea...we need bowlers who can bowl to a plan, consistently. Bhajji has sucked recently because his bowling has lost it's venom, but it could equally just be because he's bowling without a plan, so he can stay. Zak can stay too...but we need new bowlers. Or atleast, more consistent ones. Such a flogging is unacceptable.

Also brings up the question about what Kirsten is doing with the squad if the bowlers ran out of plans so soon. And the selectors, why why why why why WHY did they select Unadkat? Over Mithun and Munaf?

 

[jkartik]

i think there was a hidden message(s) here given by sachin to the tailenders / bowlers by taking those 1st ball singles.

"This is how a batsmen has to fear and feel when you run in to bowl"

"This is how 145Kph feels like!"

"Look at the amount of pace and movement generated even on a 5th day wicket"

"That Steyn and Morkel are world class bowlers and you guys are nothing but
useless motherflinging pie-chuckers.""

 

[ferg512]

i think there was a hidden message(s) here given by sachin to the tailenders / bowlers by taking those 1st ball singles.

"This is how a batsmen has to fear and feel when you run in to bowl"

"This is how 145Kph feels like!"

"Look at the amount of pace and movement generated even on a 5th day wicket"

"That Steyn and Morkel are world class bowlers and you guys are nothing but
useless motherflinging pie-chuckers.""

Completely agree. Make them face a real fast bowler, let Sachin have the not out. At least he put up a fight unlike those useless medium pacers.

 

[Aditya]

It was a better performance from the Indian batsman's in the 2nd innings. Well played Sachin Tendulkar, 50th ton for the little master. With Zaheer back in the 2nd test we can hope for a better bowling performance from the Indian team in the 2nd test match. Also, I guess it's time to give Pujara a chance in tests in place of Raina. Raina is a great ODI and t20 batsman but not so great test batsman. Pujara is just ideal for test matches. His 76 against Australia made it clear that he deserves to be in the Indian test team.

 

[AbhishekS]

Raina is good at the test level too but he isn't clicking. Pujara deserved another chance since the New Zealand series and now its quite certain that he will be in the next match. Has worked hard to come in the team and I really hope he does well again.

With the retirement of Sachin and Dravid coming closer, Pujara and Raina really need to pull up their socks.

Yudi added 0 Minutes and 57 Seconds later...

Hey guys is this the last test series of India before the world cup? If yes, then I guess this might eventually be the last test series of Sachin as rumors are flying that he will be retiring after the WC.

 

[SaiSrini]

Sachin wont retire from all forms of cricket after the World Cup, DEFINITELY NOT TEST CRICKET. The transition period for Indian cricket is not yet set in stone, and if he retires now, it will be a blow of epic proportions for India's test squad. Already Dravid and Laxman are showing signs of their age catching up. Sachin is the only guy getting better with age. He has to stay and see India through the transition. I see him retiring from ODI's and T20's after the World Cup. He will play tests till 2013.

 

[Harshshah]

Sachin will definitely play in the upcoming West Indies series and England series for sure. I also think Laxman and Dravid will continue to play. It's just test that they will play I feel. They will retire by the end of 2011 or start of 2012.

I hope this thing happens. If not we do have our back up ready. Although it will be tough for new comers such as Kohli,Rahane,etc but they will prove their worth.

Also It seems Irfan Pathan who is not into any scene right now will be an important part of our Playing XI after the WC. India will be lead by safe hands for sure.

Also South Africa must be aware of Dangerous India that comeback after humiliating loss.

See the 2007 England series where we won the Series eventually. Zak will be back and bowling hopes will be back.

Sehwag,Gambhir,Tendulkar all showed some classy form in IInd innings.

And who said Dhoni will struggle? He is the best batsman after Tendulkar in the First Test. Love seeing Dhoni play and perform in test and shut some asses mouth

 

[StinkyBoHoon]

I think it was well meek by sachin but to be honest, given the way he was cramping last night, he might have been in no condition to play steyn and morkel any better than the tail enders.

you don't cramp up all over then have a nights sleep and feel back to normal the next day. if anything you feel worse.

however, that's a pretty kind assessment.