Former South African pacer, Vernon Philander questioned the technique of the batters while batting on a tricky Newlands track after the conclusion of the second Test. The second Test between India and South Africa that was played at the Newlands in Cape Town ended up being the shortest-ever Test match in the history of cricket. It ended in just 107 overs breaking the previous record of 109.2 overs which was back in 1932 between South Africa and Australia.
Apart from Aiden Markram, none of the players were able to cross the fifty-run mark. Markram scored a brilliant century in the second innings and was the lone warrior for South Africa. However, the Proteas could only set a target of 79 runs for India which was easily chased in the last innings in just 12 overs by the Indian batters. 33 wickets were fallen in just one and a half days of play and the match was over in a flash.
Vernon Philander was quick to criticize the batters for not being able to bat on a tricky wicket. However, the Indian bowlers impressed a lot bowling out the Proteas for just 55 in the first innings. Mohammed Siraj took a figure of 6/15 in the first innings whereas Jasprit Bumrah took a figure of 6/61 in the second innings. The batters were struggling completely on an extra bouncy surface with some extra seam movement.
Vernon Philander said, “One thing we have to point out is the technique of the batsmen especially on surfaces that are a bit tricky.” Vernon Philander also expressed his desire for a decider or a third Test match but this series was just a two-match series which ended in a matter of just five days of play as the first Test at the SuperSport Park was ended in just three days and the second one in Newlands took just two days of play.
Vernon Philander Wanted A Decider Match For The India Vs South Africa Series
Vernon Philander went ahead and said, “The fans have been thoroughly entertained in two days of fascinating cricket. Obviously, South Africa won the first one convincingly and then India bounced back convincingly. Both teams obviously played some of their best cricket and also some of their worst cricket. At this juncture of the tour, both teams found a better rhythm and you certainly miss the third and decider.”
India jumps ahead of South Africa to claim the first position again on the WTC points table with a PCT of 54.16. They were sixth after the defeat in the first Test but a convincing win in the second Test boosted their PCT to help them regain the top spot. India has won two out of the four Tests they have played in the current cycle with a draw against West Indies and a defeat against South Africa.
The next assignment for India in the World Test Championship will be at home against England as they prepare to face them in a five-match Test series commencing on January 25. Meanwhile, South Africa will tour New Zealand for a two-match Test series with an entirely new squad as the experienced players will be busy in the SA20 league.
