RSA vs. India three tests starting January 5th

[Midnight]

Originally Posted by cg3

Well done to India for winning the ODI & T20 series but this just adds to the lingering sense that the Test series was an opportunity missed...

One could say that, however, it might be fair to add that India played its best squad in all three formats, whereas SA's team was almost unrecognisable by the end. They probably did well to be so competitive in the T20 format with so many debutants and fringe players etc.

Test cricket is a different format to the other two and despite India largely getting the better of the batting conditions, they couldn't win in tests one and two. They also didn't have to bat last in the treacherous conditions at Joburg, though that was Faf's fault.

Looks like during the last game, SA started far too slowly and left too much for the later batsmen. They lost fewer wickets which suggests they could have pushed it more. India's bowling in the end was pretty ordinary. SA will probably need to shed some of those who have let them down, but they have unearthed a couple. India's team was pretty stable.

[square leg umpire]

Originally Posted by Midnight

One could say that, however, it might be fair to add that India played its best squad in all three formats, whereas SA's team was almost unrecognisable by the end. They probably did well to be so competitive in the T20 format with so many debutants and fringe players etc.

Test cricket is a different format to the other two and despite India largely getting the better of the batting conditions, they couldn't win in tests one and two. They also didn't have to bat last in the treacherous conditions at Joburg, though that was Faf's fault.

Looks like during the last game, SA started far too slowly and left too much for the later batsmen. They lost fewer wickets which suggests they could have pushed it more. India's bowling in the end was pretty ordinary. SA will probably need to shed some of those who have let them down, but they have unearthed a couple. India's team was pretty stable.

Don't think the batsmen were to blame as India bowled well first up. Think SA lost it in the field by conceding too many runs in the first few overs not to mention their slipshod fielding. They let India get at least 20-30 too many, more than the winning margin.

[Midnight]

Originally Posted by square leg umpire

Don't think the batsmen were to blame as India bowled well first up. Think SA lost it in the field by conceding too many runs in the first few overs not to mention their slipshod fielding. They let India get at least 20-30 too many, more than the winning margin.

Fair comment, SA's fielding has deteriorated to the point where India would be considered better. This has been India's best tour in SA conditions, but the home team has considerable weaknesses at this juncture.

[square leg umpire]

Originally Posted by Midnight

Fair comment, SA's fielding has deteriorated to the point where India would be considered better. This has been India's best tour in SA conditions, but the home team has considerable weaknesses at this juncture.

South Africa have always prided themselves on their fielding but it seems to have gone to pot recently.

[Ali TT]

So the hosts won the warm up test matches but India take the two important limited over series.

[cg3]

Originally Posted by Midnight

Test cricket is a different format to the other two and despite India largely getting the better of the batting conditions, they couldn't win in tests one and two. They also didn't have to bat last in the treacherous conditions at Joburg, though that was Faf's fault.

I hadn't quite realized this. Thanks very much for putting me straight on this one.

Look, the point isn't to debate whether India were well beaten in the Test series. Of course they were. And they weren't going to beat South Africa without a real fight, no one wins in South Africa without doing that.

But the point was this Indian side did have the capability to win in SA, which can't be said of many Indian sides in the past. Ali TT scoffs at India's celebrations at winning the limited overs stuff - which I understand, but look at India's previous record in ODIs in SA and you'll see why it still matters to Indian fans.

[Ali TT]

Originally Posted by cg3

I hadn't quite realized this. Thanks very much for putting me straight on this one.

Look, the point isn't to debate whether India were well beaten in the Test series. Of course they were. And they weren't going to beat South Africa without a real fight, no one wins in South Africa without doing that.

But the point was this Indian side did have the capability to win in SA, which can't be said of many Indian sides in the past. Ali TT scoffs at India's celebrations at winning the limited overs stuff - which I understand, but look at India's previous record in ODIs in SA and you'll see why it still matters to Indian fans.

Genuinely wasn't scoffing!

[Midnight]

Originally Posted by cg3

I hadn't quite realized this. Thanks very much for putting me straight on this one.

Look, the point isn't to debate whether India were well beaten in the Test series. Of course they were. And they weren't going to beat South Africa without a real fight, no one wins in South Africa without doing that.

But the point was this Indian side did have the capability to win in SA, which can't be said of many Indian sides in the past. Ali TT scoffs at India's celebrations at winning the limited overs stuff - which I understand, but look at India's previous record in ODIs in SA and you'll see why it still matters to Indian fans.

I'm sure Indian fans would be stoked.

Their team looks good in this format.

To balance that comment though, SA has arguably as weak as it's been for some time in limited overs, regardless what rankings say. Injuries to key players haven't helped.