Steyn Gun stains India
The world's number one test team trailing South Africa by 533 runs with ten wickets in hand at the start of day three found themselves in a spot of bother as they were 56 for 3 with the men in form, Sachin and Gambhir back in the hut, but thanks to a century partnership between Sehwag and debutant Badrinath. India managed a respectable 192 for 4 [SCORECARD] before Dale Steyn entered. In the post tea session, South Africa unleashed their Steyn Gun, who took 5 wickets for just 3 runs in his spell after chai and bowled out India for 233 still trailing by 325.
Morale of the story? That's some pretty good Tea! Steyn finished with career best figures of 7-51 as India folded like a pack of cards and showed the world that without Dravid or Laxman, India is just a very average team.
Following on, India find themselves 66 for two and trailing by 259 runs. An uphill task await for India, but there are a few things to be optimistic about. Even though Cricinfo has written India off by giving it a 1.1% chance of winning this test and 16.1% of drawing it, I say things look brighter.
India is a team that believes that it is invincible at home, and will fight till the very last breath. Also India is currently ranked number uno and know only too well that if they lose this series, it will be highly impossible to regain that place this year and in a two match series, there is not much time to play catch up. Considering that South Africa got 9 of their 10 wickets with pacers, India will be banking on the plan that if they play and don't lose wickets to the pacers, then they can take a toll on the South African spinners. Also India is one of the few teams that play better under pressure and when they find themselves with their back to the wall. It happened in March 2001 and why shouldn't it happen again? India find themselves in a similar position, and will be hoping to repeat the epic saga that unfolded in Calcutta. The only set back is that the stars of the 2001 are missing, and how badly was Dravid and Laxman missed today! But with Sachin, Murali Vijay, and Dhoni, India have the players for the job. India have everything to lose if they lose this match and primarily it is their pride, and the number one spot.
Just like Aakash Chopra tweeted, it's "time to show character and prove that we are number one for nothing...we have it in us to fight and surprise..". Here's hoping for a revitalizing contest.
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Only if you fall down can you rise up again! Again, from a selfish RCB perspective, this loss is the only way Dhoni could think of getting Mithun in for next test! Otherwise the same team would have played next test.
But Karthik also deserves a place.
Alrite the injuries to players like RD or Yuvi were not certain, at all but this opportunity could have been provided to these two against Bangladesh,