Newlands Cricket Ground
The final match as well as the entire 3 match test series ended in a draw on the 6th of January 2011. Though a victory would have been ideal but managing a draw was good enough considering what could have happened on day 5 of the 3rd test.
The way day 4 started in this match it looked like India were going to win it and finally win a series in South Africa, but along came Kallis and in spite of his severe injury he put South Africa right back in the match with a large opportunity for victory. India on the other hand due to lack of pace bowling attack suffered. Fortunately for India Gautam Gambhir stuck around long enough to ensure a draw.
Virender Sehwag played like he was expected to, with stupidity. He was one player who could have if he tried to demolish the South African side, but it was him who was demolished. His form is fine but his lack of application is what is ultimately going to ruin him. There was never any doubt that he has the most talent, but what would be the point of that talent if he uses it seldom and suddenly appears back in the limelight whenever his fancy takes him. This is usually his regular pattern, 13, 11, 150, 2, 10, 8, 100. There is never any stability in his game and weather he does well or not in the future it is not possible for a cricketer like that to aid in winning a world cup.
Rahul Dravid made 31 runs in 112 balls, this was an ideal day for him to play tension free and prove everyone wrong, but that was not to be as Tsotsobe took his wicket. Rahul Dravid’s form has been poor for a long time, he also occasionally scores a century but when compared with a side like England it just doesn’t match up. His wall is slowly crumbling, again there is endless talent involved, but his time in the cricketing world is close to over, he is an icon so why prolong and leave on a low when you can leave on your own terms with pride?
In most probabilities he will probably want to retire after a series which has some emotional relevance to him, just like Anil Kumble did, he retired at Feroz Shah Kotla ground in Delhi where he had broken records. If that is the yard stick to go by then Rahul Dravid with probably end up retiring after the England series this summer. All cricket fans will hope he leaves with his head up high as he deserves nothing but respect.
On the 5th day in Cape Town even world class bowlers Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel were not as effectiver; South Africa took nearly one wicket per session which made it impossible for them to win the match which was strange since they usually do a lot of damage with a new ball.
Finally it was Sachin Tendulkar who made 14 runs of 91 balls and India’s 2nd innings specialist VVS Laxman who made 32 runs of 67 balls, who ensured a safe draw
India and South Africa were on even footing almost throughout this entire final match, so it was only fitting that it would end in a draw as well.
Tags: Cape Town, Cricket, Gautam Gambhir, India, Jacques Kallis, Little Master, Proteas, Sachin Tendulkar, South Africa, Test Match, Test Series
