Dale Steyn
And, the day didn’t end up well for India. The Indian top order was again taken aback by the protean spearhead Dale Steyn. Gambhir’s injury putting him out of the match was already horrific for India. And, then the South Africa hunt for wickets started on the green and pacy pitch after Smith won the toss. The overcast conditions also proved to be of much help. But, hats off to the guy who was all over the proficient Indian top order: Dale Steyn. He just produced unplayable deliveries. It looked as if the batsman had no choice but to give his wicket! The only resistance providing batsman was Laxman. His score of 38 was the highest for the day. And, guess what the wristy player played his 5th six of test career against Steyn! His last six was way back in 2005 against Danish Kaneria. India was stunned at 183 for the loss of six wickets at the end of days play. Only 56 overs were bowled due to fading light.
Guess what guy’s Indian score would have been even worse! But, thanks to the ample amount of catches the protean fielders dropped India managed to post atleast 150. Vijay was plunged by Harris at first slip on 3 and later AB was inches away from picking up a blinder at the third slip. Later, Hashim Amla also dropped Pujara at forward short leg. The Indian batsmen didn’t make the South Africans to pay. All the batsmen got off to starts. But, ultimately were bogged down by Steyn or Tsotsobe. Tsotsobe was insecure of his place in the side, but, he got the crucial priced wicket of the ‘Master’ Tendulkar. He also pulled off an awesome low catch to assist Steyn in dismissing the stalwart set batsman Laxman. Steyn took four wickets as Tsotsobe took two. Morkel struggled a bit and was the most expensive of all the protean bowlers used by Smith.
All Indian batsmen reached double figures, but, none flourished. At the end of the day Harbhajan and MS had parted for a quickfire 27 runs and were standing at the crease. Steyn’s performance and records against India have kept on improving. Now, he has 43 Indian wickets in his bag at a mere average of 18.95. Not only this, after dismissing Sehwag today, he is now only the second bowler to have dismissed the miraculous batsman six times. Hoggard is the other bowler. Ah! You Beauty! You are just splendid. I wish Indian bowling attack draws some inspiration from you.
Now, after the first day India is all set for a low total. But, neither have the South African’s managed to cluster runs on this pitch. They have been unsuccessful on their previous recent encounters here. I hope that continues. And, now we also have Zaheer back. So, he and his presence might just do the trick for India. But, instead I would love to see Bhajji and Dhoni enter into a big partnership on day 2. We have seen two from the off-spinner. I wish to see another from him!
Tags: Bhajji, Cricket, Dale Steyn, Dhoni, India, South Africa, Test Match, Test Series
