The first test match between South Africa and India delivered an intense showdown that had everyone on the edge of their seats. India, aiming to secure their first-ever series win on South African soil, will have to wait for another opportunity. The much-anticipated clash concluded thrillingly, wrapping up in just three days.
India’s batting performance in the first innings displayed a blend of promise and challenges. KL Rahul’s impressive century underscored his batting prowess, but the Indian batting order encountered strong resistance from the South African bowling attack. Kagiso Rabada and Nandre Burger posed significant threats, taking five and three wickets, respectively. Crucial wickets falling at pivotal moments disrupted India’s momentum, culminating in their first-innings total of 245 runs.
In response, South Africa exhibited their batting prowess, led by Dean Elgar’s outstanding 185, complemented by key contributions from David Bedingham and Marco Jansen. This propelled South Africa to an imposing total of 408. Although Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj spearheaded India’s bowling attack, the resilience of the Proteas was evident as they dominated the proceedings.
India’s second innings commenced on a challenging note, with Nandre Burger delivering an exceptional bowling performance, backed by Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, dismantling the Indian top order. Virat Kohli’s resilient 76 provided a glimmer of hope, but the relentless South African bowling attack continued to apply pressure. India concluded their second innings at 131/10, resulting in South Africa winning the first test by an innings and 32 runs.
In his final test series, Dean Elgar, serving as the stand-in captain in Temba Bavuma’s absence, earned the player of the match award for his pivotal innings. The two teams are scheduled to meet again at Newlands, Cape Town, starting on January 3, 2024, for the second test.
Now, let’s explore the top 5 Indian batters with the lowest Test averages in South Africa.
1. Woorkeri Raman:
At the pinnacle of the chart stands Woorkeri Raman, whose noteworthy yet demanding venture in South Africa is mirrored in his notably modest test average of 7.16. A key figure in the annals of Indian cricket, Raman’s encounters established the groundwork for the ensuing struggles on the Proteas’ home ground.
2. Ravi Shastri:
Ravi Shastri, a key figure in Indian cricket, approached the challenging South African bowling attack with resilience. However, he found it difficult to sustain a high batting average, managing only 11.80. His experiences on South African turf underscore the rigorous demands of Test cricket in this part of the world.
3. Rohit Sharma:
Rohit Sharma, the modern batting sensation, faced a tough battle against the South African bowlers, leading to a Test average of 12.8. Although he exhibits great skill on various pitches, Sharma’s struggles in South Africa highlight the distinct challenges posed by these conditions.
4. Ravi Ashwin:
Ravi Ashwin, celebrated for his mastery of spin, encountered a tough challenge grappling with the pace-friendly conditions in South Africa, resulting in a Test average of 15.80. While he proves to be a valuable batsman in the subcontinent, his endeavors in South Africa have yet to yield success.
5. Nayan Mongia:
Nayan Mongia, a skilled wicketkeeper-batsman, had a challenging time in South Africa, managing a Test average of 16.20. His difficulties underscore the distinct hurdles that wicketkeepers encounter in these conditions.
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