India vs South Africa 2018

[Napolean]

In the end, first innings difference was the margin of defeat. Not too concerned about this. Kohli seemed to be getting into his groove.

First test without any practice ( blame BCCI)- this was expected.

[sarv_shaktimaan]

Originally Posted by Napolean

First test without any practice ( blame BCCI)- this was expected.

I'm surprised why there was no practice match for this tour? like 3 day friendly with some local side?

[28virgo]

Practice match was in the itinerary but the Indian team rejected the offer because the pitch it was to be played on wasexactly the opposite of the pitch where this official test match was played @ Newlands..

It was a flat track not condusive to pace and bounce..

[Napolean]

Originally Posted by sarv_shaktimaan

I'm surprised why there was no practice match for this tour? like 3 day friendly with some local side?

In addition to what 28virgo said, the opposition presented to touring teams is not up to the mark. Our players score double hundreds against those college level sides. There was no point. This is where BCCI should have put pressure on RSA to field a good side but they were busy in arranging a series against Lanka.

[sarv_shaktimaan]

^^^ BCCI thinks it gets enough money from contracts and all.. winning prolly doesn't bring in major extra cash. As long as the series is slightly competitive people will come to stadiums and TV contracts will have plenty of ads to play.

[sarv_shaktimaan]

Ignored Rahane, Rahul train at Newlands as SA coach fires pace warning

CAPE TOWN: The ignored trio of KL Rahul, Ajinkya Rahane and Ishant Sharma were part of an optional practice session at Newlands, even as South Africa coach Ottis Gibson warned they would continue to torment India with pace.
India lost the first Test by 72 runs within four days, with Vernon Philander wreaking havoc with his pace and swing.

Parthiv Patel was also part of the small training group. Assistant coach Sanjay Bangar and bowling coach Bharat Arun were part of the support team that assisted them through the session lasting just under 90 minutes.

[sarv_shaktimaan]

I think Dhawan, Rohit, Saha and Ashwin will be replaced by Rahul, Ajinkya, Parthiv and Ishant.

[Napolean]

I am ok with Rahul and Parthiv. Even Ishant is all right. Rahane is out of form. Not sure about him.

[Napolean]

Saha looks scared of fast bowling.

[28virgo]

Originally Posted by sarv_shaktimaan

I think Dhawan, Rohit, Saha and Ashwin will be replaced by Rahul, Ajinkya, Parthiv and Ishant.

Ganguly was quick to point out that Rahane and Rahul should have been considered keeping in mind their away from home record.. However, I will not blame the Indian team think tank because they went with the current form of the players i.e. Dhawan and Rohit.. Their form was brilliant against Sri Lanka. I accept that those were home games but still due weightage has to be given where its due. Waise bhi its about luck.. The same Rohit/dhawan perform/s well in the upcoming test and everything will be hunky-dory...

[sarv_shaktimaan]

Lappe marne waale .. have low chances to succeed abroad

[sarv_shaktimaan]

Like Gavaskar, I’m also questioning the selection of the team for 2nd test. Why Bumrah plays in a test ahead of Bhuvaneshwar Kumar? Actually, why Bumrah plays a test at all? He can’t pick 3-4 wickets in an ODI even.

[sgars]

Originally Posted by Napolean

Saha looks scared of fast bowling.

Not the first time.

Originally Posted by sgars

Any one remember the 'Blackwash' that West Indies did in December 83 to avenge their world cup defeat. The Batsmen were actually sh8 scared of even facing Malcolm Marshall and were trying to get into the non striking end in the ist test at Kanpur.
And the same guys now appear in news chanels commenting on the current cricketers (who also dont seem any better)

[Soorma Bhopali]

Originally Posted by sgars

So, the humiliation in Champion’s trophy is all forgotten? What good is winning or losing this series. Or the cricket memories too seem to be fickle.

Favouritism is the name of the game ..Sharma bandhu - Rohit aur Ishant - ka favouritsm . How idiot Indian public is ? Arrange one home series against Srilanka and Afghanistan and everything ese will be forgotten. Rahane , Bhavi & Saha dropped.

[sarv_shaktimaan]

"Watching Virat Kohli excluding Shikhar Dhawan for just one Test failure, and Bhuvneshwar for no reason at all, Kohli should drop himself in the third Test at Centurion, if he fails to perform in Centurion," Sehwag told 'India TV'.