Team India will lock horns with South Africa in the final Test of the 2-match series, starting Wednesday in Cape Town. After an innings defeat in Centurion, Rohit Sharma & Co. will look to bounce back in the final game to avoid a series loss.
Unlike the hosts, Team India struggled across departments in the first Test which lasted just three days. KL Rahul’s heroic ton was the highlight of India’s batting in the first innings but then the bowling failed to put a leash on the hosts. Dean Elgar scored a magnificent 185 while Marco Jansen and David Bedingham made notable contributions to script India’s humiliating defeat.
Experienced campaigner Jasprit Bumrah returned with the most number of wickets – 4/69 – while Siraj pocketed 2 for 91. But India direly missed the services of Mohammad Shami who couldn’t make it to the ongoing tour due to fitness issues. The management tried replacing him by handing his debut to Prasidh Krishna but the move didn’t pay off. The right-arm quick had a forgettable outing in South Africa, conceding 93 runs in 20 overs and picking up just 1 wicket.
Krishna’s selection over Mukesh Kumar was questioned by many as India failed to put pressure on the Proteas batters. Some major changes are expected in India’s line-up for the New Year’s Test but captain Rohit Sharma chose not to speak anything on that matter.
Addressing the pre-match presser on Tuesday, Rohit said the decision will be taken later in the day.
“Honestly, I haven’t thought much about it. We have had a brief chat with the management and the coaching staff about what we want from the bowlers in this game. We have not completely finalized our playing XI,” Rohit told reporters.
The Indian skipper also confirmed that Ravindra Jadeja, who was ruled out of the first Test due to a back spasm, has recovered and in fact, everyone in the squad is fit and available for selection for the second Test.
“Everyone is available for selection and no injury concern as of yet. We’ll sit down later in the day and take a decision about having the right combination,” he confirmed.
Rohit further defended Krishna over his underwhelming performance on debut. Rohit said a player may get nervous on debut but it’s important to show fait on him.
“Having said that, I still feel that we do have a bit of inexperience in our bowling and when we have that, you need to show faith in them. And that can happen with any team,” Rohit said.
“I even said at the post-match show in the last game about Prasidh. We all get nervous in our first game and it’s understandable. I still back that thought of mine, seeing that he has got a good ability to succeed at this level.
“It’s just about showing faith in them, trusting them and getting the best result out from them,” he added.
Comments
0 comment