India beat SA in first Test: Here're the key takeaways
Team India overcame South Africa by 203 runs in the first Test to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. It was a complete show by Virat Kohli's men as they won their third successive Test match in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship. In pursuit of 395, SA were folded for 191. Here are the key takeaways.
How did the first Test pan out?
India declared at 502/7 in the first innings after two majestic innings from Rohit Sharma and Mayank Agarwal. The visitors replied by scoring 431/10. Dean Elgar (160) and Quinton de Kock (111) were the stars. R Ashwin claimed seven scalps. India then rode on another fine century from Rohit to declare at 323/4. SA, who were in for a Herculean task, faltered easily.
Is opener Rohit Sharma the new Virender Sehwag?
This was the maiden Test as an opener for 32-year-old Rohit. The celebrated limited-overs opening batsman showed his magic batting upfront in what was a new challenge for him. His strike-rate of 72.13 and 85.23 was a highlight of his aggression. Rohit gave glimpses of former Indian legend Virender Sehwag, who would tear apart teams with his effective stroke-play. Rohit has shades of Viru.
Ashwin and Jadeja continue to be the best pair
India's premier spinners R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja once again combined well to floor the Proteas. Ashwin raced to 350 Test wickets after claiming eight scalps that included a 7/145. Meanwhile, Jadeja was superb in the second innings and claimed (4/87). He finished the match with six wickets. He also surpassed 200 career Test scalps which was the fastest by a left-handed bowler.
Mohammed Shami lights up Vizag with a brilliant fifer
Mohammed Shami was unplayable on Sunday in the manner in which he got his wickets. He was terrific and seamed the ball. He bowled accurately and the balls also kept low to aid him. He accounted for four bowled dismissals in a brilliant spell of 5/35. Shami is a dangerous fourth innings bowler and he showed that for the second time against the Proteas.
SA needed better application on Day 5
The Proteas needed better application in the second innings and were trounced by the Indian bowlers' all-round show. It was a major collapse in the first session on Day 5. That's where India cashed in and gained authority. However, Dane Piedt (56) and Senuran Muthuswamy (49*) showed how clarity and positive cricket can help you. SA need to better themselves from here on.
