What a glorious victory the boys produced in the first test on their tour to India, it truly is a great feat beating India by an innings in India, this has now been done by the Proteas three times.
It must however be noted that this test was won by three South Africans, the rest didn’t really feature.
Jacques Kallis, scored a magnificent century (173) and seems like the was well on his way to score his maiden Test double century. The class and elegancy with which Kallis played, with was only match by this third wicket partner Hashim Amla.
Hashim Amla’s double century was one of the finest batting performances I have and will probably ever watch. Amla played with total control, his patience is astounding and ability to concentrate is unsurpassed in South African cricket. Amla was on track to beat Graeme Smiths record of 277 as the highest test score by a South African until the team declared on 6558/6, which left Amla on 253*.
Some naysayers have commented that Smith declared so that Amla didn’t beat his record, this is unfounded speculation. The team needed to declare and I thought that allowing Amla to get 250 was a great gesture. Hashim Amla is a team man, and I’m sure he’s happy that he got the opportunity to post one of the highest totals scored in South African test history.
Dale Steyn also produced a personal best, he took 7 wickets in the first innings to destroy India single handily. He went on to take another 3 wicket in the second innings to end with 10 wickets in the test match, a truly remarkable performance.
Having mentioned those three players, the rest didn’t inspire confidence, except de Villiers knock of 53. Looking forward to the second test we can expect a stronger Indian side, playing on a pitch that will suit them. We’ll need a team performance to pull this one off; we can simply rely on the same guys that pull it off each game.
The South African management need to make a call on Prince, the man is not up to playing Test cricket anymore and needs to make way. I would drop Price, replace him with Alviro Petersen, Petersen gives us the additional advantage of another spin option. Mark Boucher could also find himself sitting this one out, which in my opinion wouldn’t be the worst thing; it would allow Johan Botha to play. If Botha and Petersen play the Proteas will have an excellent chance of winning on what WILL be a spinner paradise.

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