First Test victory in South Africa makes the whole country break into an impromptu emulation of Sreesanth's memorable 'Jo'burg Jig' on Day 3, while cynics wonder whether this is just a flash in the pan or a new dawn.
In many ways,this was as audacious as an Indian new ball bowler has ever been. Truth to tell,many an Indian fan had their heart in their mouths. Hadn't India succeeded tosnatch defeat from the jaws of victory in the past? As it turned out, the jawsjust wouldn't shut, with faces breaking into uncontrollable joy as Indiafinally recorded their maiden Test victory on South African soil, marking a remarkable turnaround from a disastrous one-day series earlier on thetour. The victory was as comprehensive as they come with a 123-run margin and more than a day and a half to spare at the Wanderers.
After Zaheer dismissed wicketkeeper-batsman Mark Boucher (23) in the fourth over of the day, Kumble ransacked the tail to cap the fine effort of the Indians right through the match.All-rounder Shaun Pollock made a defiant 40 off 41 balls and added 67 runs from 87 balls with Prince.But with almost two days left, it was never going to be enough to resist India who have now taken a 1-0 lead in the three-Test rubber.Pollock's rearguard action eventually proved to be flickers of a dying lamp and his innings, that consisted six fours and a six, came to an end when he was bowled by Kumble.
The 36-year-old Bangalorean then trapped Nel leg before wicket, before he broke the resistance of Prince who faced 223 balls and struck 11 boundaries.Dravid at this stage brought on Sreesanth to do the honours of finishing the match which had much been shaped by his fiery burst of bowling.
After an inconspicuous over, the second new ball was claimed to facilitate the process.But it was Zaheer who put the seal of victory when he had Makhaya Ntini caught in covers by Virender Sehwag, the innings folding up in 86.5overs. Dravid and Zaheer were the first ones to pick up the stumps at the non-striker's end as souvenirs. Kumble and Sehwag were quick to join in the fun.
India had lost four and drawn five of the nine Tests on their three previous visits to South Africa.This was also only their 27th win from 194 matches abroad, a measly win percentage of 13.47. The Indians have now won four each against Australia, England, New Zealand; three each against Zimbabwe and Bangladesh and two each against Pakistan, Sri Lanka, besides today's win against South Africa.
An elated Dravid credited the win to "great team effort". "I am proud of the team. It's a great team effort the way we fought in Test after the one-day series loss. Credit to ourselves and the nation," Dravid said.
With agency inputs