They were lambs to slaughter. Against a mighty Indian side, South Africa had no hope even on home turf.
The Proteas had to face defeat in the first Test. What followed was the shocking Test retirement of Quinton de Kock. Then fightback. And, the comeback was one for the ages.
A great sports narrative where heroes emerge, the script changes dramatically, and the opposition is conquered.
Importance
And this 2-1 series win holds great significance for a transitional side. South Africa found new champions in Keegan Petersen, Marco Jensen and Rasie van der Dussen.
Any team draws its strength from its captain and Dean Elgar strikes his body, never withered and carried on the fight. It is an exhilarating sight for any team to see a captain grappling with pain.
Elgar’s sheer guts, variable bounce and seam movement on the match-winning 96 Wanderers pitch, chasing a demanding 240, was a classic case of a captain leading from the front.
Elgar’s human-management skills also came to the fore. He was able to throw Kagiso Rabada a hostile game-changing spell at the Wanderers.
Pietersen is a special talent at No. His ability to get into the position of a technically correct batsman underlies his footwork and balance. His 82 in the chase at Newlands was a display of responsibility and class.
Van der Dussen showed flexibility in both holding his end in a successful chase and being judicious with his strokes.
Pietersen may lack technical skills in Temba Bavuma, but he can thump the ball. He batted with aggressive intent throughout the series.
wise move
Ultimately, the bowlers win you the game and South Africa made an important decision ahead of the second Test – an extra bowler at the cost of an all-rounder.
Elgar said, “The top six will have to take responsibility. And how well they did!
Even without the injured Enrique Nortje – arguably the fastest bowler in the world – South Africa’s bowling was strong.
Fast and furious Rabada rips it off, opens the game, and gets the batsmen out. Lungi Ngidi casts spells of controlled aggression, creating momentum and giving little away. His precise but sharp spell was crucial in the Indian second innings at Newlands.
Duane Olivier hits the new ball for a four with his two-way swing.
the biggest star
Nevertheless, the biggest bowling star for the Proteas was left-arm long-fast bowler Marco Jensen.
He troubled the batsmen both around the wicket and on goal with his left-hand angle, bounce and control, staying just one behind Rabada with 19 wickets in the series. In fact, he could have brought the ball in the right hand.
For South Africa, the pieces fell into place. It was, indeed, a surprise comeback!
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