BCCI was cancelling the tour, until CSA bended over and accepted their terms to even do the minimum number of games as per FTP.
Well the last time Faf did it we went on and won the series. At least Proteas wont be one bowler down next match....Happy for Faf that he got the result he always wanted tbh
Don't equate the two, seriously. That day, a win was impossible right to the end. Not so here... It's an opportunity missed imo
As I said before has India blown it again of a series win in South Africa
Let's not talk about choke. About 2-3 hours ago both you and I were about to punch Dhoni in the face lol. All of us Indian supporters were like WHERE THE **** DID SHAMI GO?
I think we choked too. But we're not south Africa so it'll be called something else
Is there a new rule that Proteas cant pick another bowler..
CSA bending over was inevitable - cancellation would have been a financial disaster for them - and BCCI knew it. BCCI held all the cards and got exactly what they wanted: a short series allowing time to fit in a home series.
Saffie ribbing aside, not sure why anyone would talk about chokes. South Africa were backs against the wall after the first innings and were pounded on day 3. Achieving a draw with the better chance of winning is a top effort. Worthy #1 team.
Yes but India was definitely the underdogs in this match. All the criticism about how they can only bat/bowl at home but they clearly demonstrated they aren't as weak as people believed. Their bowling was fantastic in the first innings and at times in the second innings. Their batting was better in BOTH innings.
Yes but India was batting when the pitch was the flattest against a team with one of their front line bowlers injured and unable to bowl
Agree with this - in fact the batting was unbelievable given they didn't have 1 ball of first class cricket before the test. All I'm saying is given their position at the end of day 3 and 4, a draw was a terrific achievement for South Africa, on par with their Adelaide miracle last year.
It's 100% on Smith. I don't care if he says he left it up to the batsmen in the middle; if anything that makes it worse. When you're the captain and you have such an easy opportunity to send a message out - a new batsman strolling past you to get out to the crease - then you don't leave decisions like that up to your two opening bowlers. It's on him whether he made the call or not.
Very well said. Only thing is FAF was no longer at the crease and if Philander got out at the death, Smith was concerned that 2 or 3 balls could finish it.
