5 talking points from the India-South Africa 3rd Test
The 3rd Test of the Gandhi-Mandela series at Nagpur saw yet another dominant display from the Indian spinners as they helped India take an unassailable 2-0 lead with just one more Test remaining. After getting bowled out for 79 in their 1st innings, the South African batsmen showed some fight in their second essay, but it was not enough as another Test in the series ended within 3 days.While the result of the 4th Test at Delhi does not have a bearing on the outcome of the Test series, it certainly holds its own significance for both teams. India would want to complete a comprehensive 3-0 series win, whereas the Proteas would want to return with their head helds high.Follwing are some of the key talking points from the Nagpur Test:
#1 Pitch talks prevail again
As was the case in the 1st Test at Mohali and the 1st innings of the rain-affected Bengaluru Test, the pitch has once again been the buzz word and everyone seems to be having an opinion about. While ‘diabolical’ has been a popular description of the pitch, there have also been talks about the poor quality of cricket on display and suggestions for holding 3-day Test matches.
There has also been an opinion from across the border for deducting points in the ICC rankings from teams who are encouraging the culture of doctoring the pitch to suit their requirements. On the other hand, there are some counter views denouncing all the pitch talk and enjoying the entertainment factor that the Test has provided.
The South African camp, however, is not complaining a great deal about the pitch despite being on receiving end. Their coach Russell Domingo has been very clear in letting everyone that they will not complain about the pitch at this stage and instead gave credit to the Indian spinners for doing well.
A few of the Indian players too have taken to the media to point out how no hue and cry is made about the pitches when Indians struggle to adapt elsewhere and it should be the same when other teams tour India.
The pitch talk is likely to spill over to the next Test too and may remain a point for discussion even after the series is over.