India failed to make the best of first use of the wicket, their batsmen capitulating against both pace and spin as they were dismissed for 215 in the first innings in the third Test against South Africa at the Vidarbha Cricket Association stadium, in Nagpur, on Wednesday. However, the hosts hit back immediately, claiming two early scalps, leaving the Proteas reeling on 11 for 2 after nine overs at the end of Day 1.
A relieved Mahendra Singh Dhoni took a dig at his critics, after inspiring India to a series-levelling win over South Africa in the second One-Dayer in Indore on Wednesday.
Rediff.com takes a look at a few brilliant efforts which, unfortunately, were in a losing cause.
'We have just got to play very good cricket. The T20 series is in the past. It is a whole new story now. India will try to bounce back and hopefully we will stop them' 'We have got a very balanced bowling attack. But we don't lean too much on the spinners or the seam bowlers. We have got firepower in all the departments of our bowling'
'T20 isn't the killer. The T20 format is good for the game.' 'The majority of international cricketers still value Test cricket.'
South Africa has been perennial favourites but it hasn't helped them.
'Ravindra is probably the best all-rounder in India today.' 'He is a thinking spinner. He uses both his fingers and mind when bowling.'
India registered just three victories in 11 Tests, worse than even Zimbabwe and the West Indies...
It looks highly unlikely if anyone will catch the South African captain in Rediff.com's Most Valuable Players ratings for the World Cup.
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