5 records that were broken in the India-South Africa series
As Virat Kohli lifted the Freedom Trophy, India finally pulled one back in the long tour. After South Africa overpowered them in the T20 Series and comprehensively beat them in the ODIs, India were left to lick their wounds and plan a counter-attack in the much-awaited Tests.Playing in the subcontinent obviously upped their power levels, as they outmatched South Africa in all 4 Tests – something that has not been done for quite a while.After the pitch in Mohali was criticised for the lack of balance between bat and ball, the Bengaluru pitch was prepared quite evenly. But the Indian bowlers wove a web across the Proteas and ensured they collapsed for just 214.As India raced to 80/0 at the end of Day 1, heavy rains for the next four days led to the Test being called a draw. Once again, South Africa were met with a demonic pitch at Nagpur, where a combination of poor shots and square turn gave India the series. The fourth Test was a typical Test match pitch, where South Africa had the best chance to come back in the series.But it was not to be as they could not even achieve the follow-on total, folding for just 121 runs. Set a target of 481, the Protea batsmen began a blockathon to play out more than five sessions of play but were eventually bowled out in the final session of the final day.The rollercoaster of a series ended with the home side taking the spoils, as South Africa were left to question themselves and their lack of application.The long tour has certainly lived up to the hype it created, and India ended up victorious at the end, despite South Africa winning both the T20 and the ODI series. With match-winners in both the sides, a slew of records were broken in more than one format of the game. Let’s take a look at 5 of them.You can watch highlights of day 5 of the 4th Test match between India and South Africa here:
#5 Lowest Innings Total
Despite four South African batsmen playing more than 100 balls on the second innings of the fourth Test, the South African team were bowled out for 199 deliveries in the first innings of the third Test.
Coming back after two disappointing performances in Mohali and Bengaluru, South Africa needed a good start. Missing both Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander, it was the turn of Morne Morkel to shine. He picked up quick wickets and ensured that India collapsed for 215 runs in the first innings.
Batting on a turning track, South Africa needed to gauge the pitch and not play aggressive shots. But they were too tempted by the flight offered by the Indian bowlers and tried to play their shots.
Dean Elgar went for a cut shot and edged it on to his stumps. Hashim Amla went for an ill-advised sweep and was caught at slip. AB de Villiers tried to play a half-slap, half-punch and lobbed it back to the bowler. Du Plessis’ horrid form continued as he played for spin on a straighter ball and was castled.
The rest of the innings was a mere formality as South Africa eventually surrendered for just 79 runs. It was their lowest total since their re-admission to Test cricket as the Test champions could not even last 200 deliveries.
With South Africa making it a habit to bowl teams out for less than 100 runs in the last decade, it was a surprise to see the same happening to themselves. It was also South Africa’s 10th ever lowest total, and the No. 1 ranked team could not have sunk lower.