It was always going to be a long shot, but after an initial fightback, the Proteas’ resistance eventually crumbled in Nagpur.
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South Africa slumped to 105-4 at lunch in its improbable chase of a 310-run victory target against India on the third day of the third test Friday.
“It’s a challenging wicket definitely”, he told reporters after the 124-run triumph against the world’s top-ranked test side also secured his first home series win as captain.
Amla hit a typically classy cover drive off Ashwin and whipped Mishra to the deep mid-wicket fence, while du Plessis lofted Ravindra Jadeja straight into the sightscreen. In Mishra’s next over, du Plessis played over an attempted pull and was bowled.
The fairytale wasn’t to be, though, as Amla (39 off 167 balls, 2×4) received a terrific delivery from leg-spinner Mishra. Aided by helpful conditions, Virat Kohli presided over an Indian victory inside three days.
Ashwin then returned to perform the last rites and complete his 15th five-for (7 for 66) to complete another 10-wicket haul in a Test. That made him the leading Test wicket-taker in 2015, overtaking England fast bowler Stuart Broad.
Ashwin rightly won the man-of-the-match plaudits for his 12-wicket haul, but the overarching influence of the pitch must not be understated.
Meanwhile, Amla refused to comment on the quality of the pitch.
South African skipper Amla and du Plesis came together after the fall of the in-form AB de Villiers in the pre-lunch session to offer a spirited fightback to the Indian bowlers. “That could have put us in a better situation to win the game”.
“I thought the wicket slowed down a bit today, it was something that was expected because it was dry from underneath”. Sometimes that is just how the game goes. “It was turning and bouncing whether it was the new ball or the old one”, said Amla.
“It’s hard for me to comment, to be honest with you, especially being on the losing side, so I will have to try and reserve my comments if that’s okay with you”.
India had earlier lost to the Proteas the Twenty20 International as well as the One-Day International (ODI) series which were held ahead of the Tests. They have prepared wickets that suit their style of play and their spinners have been really good.
“It’s all about application I guess, you’ve just got to take it in your stride and prepare accordingly…no excuses”.
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After winning his first home series as captain, Virat Kohli, said in as many words that that’s the best way forward for the Indian team in home series. Some good cricket in Mohali, Bangalore and here, feels very good.
