Rohit Sharma appeared relieved and satisfied after India scripted a remarkable seven-wicket win in the second Test against South Africa in Cape Town to level the two-match series. It was only the second time in nine attempts that India drew a Test series in the Rainbow Nation.
Reflecting on this, the India captain highlighted the lessons learnt from the mistakes in the first Test, emphasizing the implementation of well-devised plans that paid dividends. He also expressed disappointment at losing six wickets for zero runs in the first innings.
“Obviously, it’s a great feat. We learnt from the mistakes made in the first Test. We had some plans ready. We executed them and got the desired results. The (first-innings) lead was crucial, but it wasn’t pleasing to see how the last six wickets fell,” said Rohit after the match.
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Despite being winless in their last six attempts at Newlands, with two draws and four defeats, India turned the tables with stellar bowling displays from Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah in the two innings.
Commending the exceptional performance of Siraj, who dismantled South Africa’s batting in the first innings with figures of 9-3-15-6, Rohit said the strategy was to keep things simple and let the pitch do the rest. Recognising the challenges of touring South Africa, Rohit noted India’s improvement as a traveling team in the last few years. Although a first-ever series win remained elusive, Rohit expressed pride in the overall progress made during the tour.
“Siraj was very, very special. We spoke about keeping things simple and let the pitch do the rest, and that’s exactly what happened. It’s always challenging to tour South Africa. But in the last 4-5 years, we have become a good travelling team. A series win would have been great, but we can take a lot of pride from our performance in the second Test,” Rohit said.
Siraj says he learnt from mistakes
India restricted South Africa to a mere 55 in the first innings in Cape Town, with Siraj delivering an outstanding performance, achieving career-best figures. In the second innings, he took the crucial wicket of Aiden Markram.
Reflecting on his performance, Siraj said: “This is my best figures in Tests. Just wanted to bowl at consistent lines and lengths and got the rewards. The last match taught me that I was not consistent. I took the feedback and applied it here. I learnt from my mistakes. Jassi bhai (Jasprit Bumrah) always helps me in analysing things. Bowling in partnerships helps us. Keep supporting us and helping us always.”
Elgar proud of team in farewell Test
The losing captain, Dean Elgar, said he was happy with his team’s efforts with the ball. It was not enough to give him a winning farewell, but he was looking at the brighter side.
“A tough one for us. Was pretty positive coming into this game. First innings killed it for us. India brought the right intensity. Still, it’s a drawn series. Would have been better winning 2-0, but proud of the efforts with the ball. The pitch was a ripper. I mean, it played differently than what we expected. It was surprising. They out-skilled us totally and deserved the win. We will take the drawn series,” said Elgar, who signed off as an international cricketer after this match.
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