India vs South Africa 2008, 3rd Test, Day 2 Highlights
Posted April 12th, 2008 by Nanda No Comments »
What happened on the first day, was repeated on Day 2. The pitch has become unplayable after just 2 days. Batsmen who are not technically strong - beware. This pitch is going to keep on getting worse with each passing second.
India started the day disastrously by losing both the openers cheaply. However, the combo of Dravid and Laxman saved them the blushes. The two put on a crucial 78 run partnership. However, both fell in quick succession, leaving Ganguly and Yuvraj to build up another partnership. Laxman’s innings was pure bliss for a Test cricket spectator. It had all his trademark shots and then a few. He made batting look easy as compared to Dravid who, I might add, played one of his grittiest innings to date.
Yuvraj’s inclusion in this test certainly raised quite a few eyebrows, including mine. To replace Irfan Pathan, who was in terrific form with the bat in the second test, with Yuvraj was a major gamble. But then again the skipper for this match is Dhoni, and its a no-brainer how Yuvraj was given a berth in the playing XI. However, with all said and done, the Kings XI captain played an important role in his partnership with Ganguly. Where Dravid was rock solid, Yuvraj was in full flow. His cover drives and pull shots were there. What really annoyed me was the way he got out, clearly indicating that he still has to work on his temperament if he wants a permanent position in the test side.
Dhoni then joined Ganguly and was at ease playing on this wicket. Had it not been for a rash shot at the most crucial of stages, India could have had complete control over this match. Having said that, Dhoni was quick in his run scoring and the partnership was the fastest of this match so far.
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