"Don't question when Tests in India finish under 3 days": Former Indian cricketers take a swipe as 2nd SA vs IND test ends in 107 overs

India defeated South Africa in just 107 overs in the second test match played at Newlands, Cape Town.

The second test match of India’s tour of South Africa concluded in a mere 107 overs, prompting former Indian cricketers to express their views on the unexpectedly brisk conclusion. The match saw India emerging victorious, sealing the win in just two days.

In an era where test matches very rarely extend to full five days, the rapid conclusion of this match sparked questions from former Indian greats. South Africa vs India encounter in Cape Town witnessed remarkable performances, particularly from Indian bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. Their brilliance restricted South Africa to 55 and 176 in their two innings, setting the stage for India’s triumph.

Foreign coaches and experts have often criticised Indian pitches and conditions when test matches in India conclude under three days and the ball turns from day 1. However, the second test between India and South Africa in Cape Town finished in just two days, prompting the former Indian players to take a dig at those who typically raise concerns about Indian conditions and pitches. This turn of events has sparked a response from Indian cricketing fraternity, emphasising the unpredictable nature of cricket.

Former Indian cricketers make a dig

Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag took a humorous dig at the pitch, tweeting, “Aap karo toh Chamatkar.. Hum karein toh pitch bekaar. 107 overs – Test Match over. (Translating: If match finishes in away conditions in less time, it’s a miracle, but when it does happen in India, then the pitch is bad). Also proves , anything there for the fast bowlers, we are more threatening with our quality. Bumrah and Siraj were spectacular and a good beginning to 2024.” Sehwag also highlighted the impact of quality fast bowling, singling out Bumrah and Siraj for their spectacular performances, signalling a promising start for Indian cricket in 2024.

Harbhajan Singh also acknowledged India’s win and questioned the pitch’s rating, asking International Cricket Council (ICC) whether the Cape Town deserved a tag of ‘Poor’ or ‘Average.’ He tweeted, “Well done Team India for winning the 2nd test @BCCI#INDvsSA Test match over in 2 days @ICC what rating for the pitch ?? Poor ? Average ? Or what.”

Subramaniam Badrinath, in a forward-looking tweet, urged pundits not to question Indian wickets in the upcoming season if tests in India end in three days. He said, “Pundits & Councils please don’t question Indian wickets when they finish #ENG within 3 days soon.” India will host England for a five-match test series in February-March 2024.

Brilliance of Indian bowlers, especially Bumrah and Siraj, ensured South Africa scoring a low total of 55. In response, India posted 153 in their first innings, with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli leading the charge. South Africa’s second innings of 176 runs saw notable contributions from Markram and Burger but fell short against the relentless Indian bowling attack.

Chasing a modest target of 79 runs, India secured victory with ease in just 12 overs, losing three wickets. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma played crucial roles in the successful run chase.

Mohammed Siraj’s stellar display earned him the player of the match award, while the player of the series was shared between Dean Elgar and Jasprit Bumrah.

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