NEW DELHI: India faced a tough defeat in the first Test of the two-match series, succumbing by an innings and 32 runs within three days at Centurion’s SuperSport Park on Thursday. With this massive win, South Africa secured an unassailable 1-0 lead in the two-match series, dashing India’s hopes of claiming a Test series victory in the Rainbow Nation for the first time in 31 years.
Despite posting 245 runs in their first innings, the Indian batsmen faltered, managing only 131 runs across 34.1 overs in the second innings.This was in reply to South Africa’s commanding total of 408 in their first innings.India have struggled in bilateral Test series in South Africa, having attempted eight times without a win, suffering seven losses and managing only one draw.
The only chance for redemption now lies in a 1-1 draw if India can level the series in Cape Town.
Looking ahead to the second and final Test at Cape Town’s Newlands stadium starting on January 3, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan said captain Rohit Sharma should consider bringing in star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja in place of Ravichandran Ashwin.
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Ashwin, who bowled 19 overs in the first Test, conceding 41 runs and taking just one wicket.
“Ravindra Jadeja, if fit, should come back in the team. Ashwin did bowl well from what was expected out of him on that pitch but we missed Jadeja’s control while batting at number 7 in Centurion,” said Pathan to Star Sports.
Irfan, who played 29 Tests, 120 ODIs and 24 T20Is for India, also said that Prasidh Krishna could make way for Mukesh Kumar.
Prasidh, who made his Test debut in Centurion, conceded 93 runs in 19 overs, picking just one wicket on his maiden outing in red-ball cricket.
“If you’re Rohit Sharma and you want to go with the same bowling attack, that’s also fine. But if you’re thinking of making a change, Mukesh Kumar could come in for Prasidh Krishna. But if you feel Prasidh is confident in the nets, then he should be backed for the second Test,” Pathan added.