South Africa wins the Centurian Test
By msdivkar
@msdivkar (23359)
India
December 20, 2010 3:04am CST
South Africa made short work of 2 balance Indian wickets and completed much anticipated victory at Centurion. The great Tendulkar, however remained unbeaten on 111. Much better performance from India in second innings although the contribution from Laxman and Raina could have made difference to the result. Raina's position in the playing eleven for the Durban test to begin on 26 Jan., the boxing day, is likely to be under scanner due to his poor performance in both the innings of the test. Murali Vijay or Cheteshwar Pujara may got the call as Raina's replacement.
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3 responses
@madhuvamsi (1185)
• India
20 Dec 10
First of all msdivkar, the Durban test will be starting on the 26th dec(boxing day) and it is not on 26 Jan. In Kingsmead, Durban the pitch known for its bounce, so will this present batting line up can stand against the hostile pace of Dale Setyn and Morne Morkel. Sehwag is always risky player and he plays his shots with lot of risk and one cannot bank him. In the middle order Raina is big problem, I don't think he will never ever learn to handle the shot pitch stuff. Yuvaraj singh is lot more comfortable against the pace bowling and his inclusion could given India a good hope and playing Pujar or Murali Vijay again will be big risk and both these players are right handers. Without Zaheer Khan can India play the Durban test is big question mark. The bowling is toothless, why I say this because India's strong batting line was dismissed twice by South African bowlers. India could have save this test match but some rash and loose shots by batsmen in the second innings is matter of worry for team India's management.
@msdivkar (23359)
• India
20 Dec 10
Thank you for correcting me, a slip I hope you will understand. First of all I agree with you Indian Balling attack without Zaheer is toothless and can not think of taking 20 wickets in a match. It is most likely that Zaheer would be playing in the second test. As about Raina, He has to be replaced I would prefer Pujara ahead of Vijay although there is certain amount of risk involved in the decision but there is no choice I think. As about South African batting line up, don't consider it that invincible. Had Dhoni won the toss and put S.A. in to bat their strong batting line up would have been tested they would have equally struggled on the first day. When India got out to 136 they were under no pressure and to their advantage the wicket eased out on second day this could be seen the way India batted in their second innings.
@msdivkar (23359)
• India
20 Dec 10
Hi karthiaa,
Don't think of replacing Dravid in South Africa. There is no player in Indian ranks except perhaps Sachin who could replace Dravid particularly in South African conditions. Yes I agree with you Raina has to be replaced. Team management can decide whether Pujara or Vijay. I would have preferred Pujara.
@ram_cv (16513)
• India
21 Dec 10
Yes, it was quite easy for South Africa in the end. They were always going to win the match after the way the first innings went. Though I should say the fact that India fought back was good to see. I still think that India can make a fist of it in this series.
Cheers!
Ram
