India were simply outplayed by South Africa in all departments in the opening Test in Centurion which ended in just three days. The visitors just didn’t adapt well, which captain Rohit Sharma admitted.
Rohit also pointed out that the inability to exploit the conditions with the ball after posting 245 on a seamer-friendly wicket also hurt India.
“We got decent runs after being put in. KL Rahul batted brilliantly, but we failed to
exploit conditions with the ball... Don’t want to be too critical on the bowlers though... They haven’t played much here,” Rohit said.
“Our batting was poor in the second innings. Virat batted brilliantly, but if you have to win Tests, you have to come together collectively.”
On his part too, Rohit had a forgettable game, falling for five and nought to Kagiso Rabada on both occasions. “Guys have come here before, so we understand what to expect from the conditions. But we didn’t adapt well enough.”
Bavuma out
Temba Bavuma has been ruled out of the final Test in Cape Town beginning on January 3, owing to his left-hamstring injury. In Bavuma’s absence, Dean Elgar will lead the Proteas in what’s going to be his farewell Test.
