India's tactical thinking turned to naught. There was little attention to detail and the reading of the match situtation was sometimes totally incorrect.
Test cricket is exactly what it says—a test of your ability in its entirety. The first match of a Test series is vital and should not be lost at any expense.
India's spin duo can be a bother, but for that they have to bowl last. Remember, South Africa's top-class pace attack gets to move in for the kill the first day.
Tendulkar faced 20 deliveries and managed a paltry three runs against a popgun attack. Something sinister lurking around the St Georges Park changerooms?
The current crop need to learn from past successful South African teams, who built their game around a core covenant that included among other things a passion for success, accountability and the ability to adapt.
It has become apparent that the South African selectors have, at times, not adhered to the critical success factors and that their credibility has been compromised.
In the minds of many, the Proteas were going to do battle on an even footing and even
beat Australia. They woke up with a huge bump and found their coffee ice cold.
It is hoped that the selectors and administrators are
in touch with the realities as well as the requirements that will make the modern professional cricketer perform at his
best.
Ford and Boucher need to make it clear that run-scoring is central to the Aussie game plan and that this can be converted to their weakness if the bowlers understand their role clearly at critical, defining moments.
