IND vs SA 2021-22, Wanderers Test: Pujara-Rahane's rusty form headlines Day 1, check out the talking points
Day 1 of the Wanderers Test between India and South Africa of the Freedom Series turned stony. Cheteshwar Puajar and Ajinkya Rahane's poor form continue to hurt the visitors. Here are the talking points.
FollowIt was not a productive day for the Indians. On Monday, Day 1 of the second Test against the South Africans in the Freedom Series 2021-22 at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, the visitors were bowled out for 202. India's shaky batting was highlighted mainly because of a couple of individuals. Here, we analyse the talking points from Day 1.
Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane have an innings to prove their mettle
Pujara and Rahane have been struggling for form for nearly a year now. While the team management has continued to show its faith in the veterans, they have failed to impress lately, which was the case on Monday. Both were dismissed for three and a duck, respectively. It is safe to assume now that the duo has just an innings to prove their mettle, as failing to do so will pretty much screw their chances of playing at Newlands in Cape Town.
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Ravichandran Ashwin has transformed himself into a genuine all-rounder
While Ashwin is already a reliable off-spinner in the longest format, no matter the conditions, it seems like he can be relied upon with the bat too. Over the past year, Ashwin has contributed decently with the bat, and the same was the case on Monday, as he played a 50-ball 46, slamming six fours and allowing India to go past 200. His batting has been widely applauded by experts and critics, while the fascinating part is that he is also being effective in the department even overseas.
Marco Jansen is a fast-bowling sensation in the making for Proteas
Pacer Jansen was impressive yet again, claiming a four-for. He has managed to continue his excellent form from Centurion, where he debuted and is turning out to be a true fast-bowling sensation for the side. Although the hosts are missing out on the special services of pacer Anrich Nortje, pairing them together could do wonders for SA or Australia or anywhere on the planet.
Is the Test match over for India?
Although India has managed just 202, we cannot really say that it's GAME OVER for the visitors. It has to be noted that India is unbeaten at this venue. Moreover, during the last tour in 2017-18, India managed just 187 in the opening innings and went on to win the Test. Notably, it was also the lowest first-innings score by any side win the Test at the venue. Also, with the track expected to get faster with each passing day, India has an advantage.
India's lower order has the intent
The lower order of India did not manage to contribute significantly on Monday. However, what was clear was the intent to get runs as fast as possible and not stick long enough to take on the lethal deliveries from the South African pacers. It has been the case in the past few Tests that help India contribute mightily in the closing stages of the innings, thus frustrating the opponents and piling somewhat pressure on the side.
