Supersport Park, Centurion

The first test match at the Centurion continues between India and South Africa.

As if it wasn’t bad enough that India’s batting was positively ghastly in the first innings, but to make matters worse the batting by the South Africa’s has been a class apart.

Graeme Smith opened well with Alviro Petersen making 62 runs and Peterson made 77 runs but both got out on the spin attack of Harbhajan Singh.

Besides Bhajji no other bowler has been able to hassle South Africa, Hashim Amla is not out on day two with a brilliant 116 runs partnering with the ever so dangerous Jacques Kallis who is not out on 102 runs. With so many centuries to be made tomorrow India should be prepared to do some clapping.

Certain serious questions need to be asked about the team composition. Granted that the team has been playing well recently but considering so many players were already sent to practice in South Africa with Coach Gary Kirsten, should have been more prepared, or at least not played so badly where the first match looks like a match between South Africa and the UAE.

Another concern is, why is Suresh Raina being picked again? He hasn’t done that exceptionally well to be considered in the top 11 in the previous series, he doesn’t seem in form at all if hes still battling issues with certain kinds of deliveries.

Murli Vijay or even Yuvraj Singh could be tried again rather than Suresh Raina.

It just doesn’t make any sense with the variety that’s available to be playing him when there are those waiting in line looking for an opportunity to shine.

Jaidev Unadkat is playing his debut test match for India, not much was seen of him in these two days, and he bowled only 14overs in the first innings. Hopefully we will see some miracle from him in the days yet to come.

So Day 2 ended with South Africa making 366 runs with the loss of 2 wickets in 87 overs. They are leading by 230 runs with 8 wickets still remaining. South Africa look well positioned to give India the first upset after a very long time.

Tags: 1st Test, Centurion, Cricket, Harbhajan Singh, India, Indian Sports, South Africa, Sports, Sports India, Supersport Park, Test Cricket, Test Series