Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
Du Plessis and de Villiers both scored centuries
South Africa fell just eight runs short of completing the highest run chase in Test cricket history as the first Test between them and India in Johannesburg ended as a draw.
However, they did score the third-highest fourth innings total in Test history, which was accomplished largely thanks to South Africa’s batting duo of Faf du Plessis and AB de Villiers as they both smashed centuries to help the Proteas save the match.
Starting out the day on 138/2, South Africa opening batsman Alviro Petersen and du Plessis only managed to add five runs onto their 20-run partnership before Petersen was clean bowled by Mohammed Shami for 76 off 162 balls, which included nine boundaries.
Jacques Kallis and du Plessis stabilised the innings with a 54-run partnership before Kallis was given out lbw off the bowling of Zaheer Khan.
Kallis’ wicket marked a personal milestone for Khan as he became only the fourth Indian bowler to take 300 Test wickets.
Du Plessis and de Villiers kept the runs flowing with an outstanding 205-run partnership, during which du Plessis brought up his third Test century and de Villiers his 18th, before de Villiers was clean bowled by Ishant Sharma for 103.
De Villiers’ excellent innings of 103 came off 168 balls and included 12 boundaries.
Jean Paul (JP) Duminy only managed to score five runs before his stumps were shattered by Shami.
With only 16 runs required to win, du Plessis was run out for 134 off 309 balls, which included 15 boundaries.
Vernon Philander and Dale Steyn put together an unbeaten eight-run partnership before the match ended as a draw.
South Africa captain Graeme Smith lauded his team’s performance, and said: “Credit to India. They played extremely well in the first four days. We showed a lot of mental strength not to fade away. I thought Faf and Ab’s knocks would go down as the best in all time. You gotta back the guys’ decision out there.
“The run out was unfortunate, the win would have been incredible, but we’ve still done very well to take it this far. You have to be level headed and there is always another coming up and as test team we’vedone that well in the last few years and make sure we never lose the game. We’ve played some high class Test cricket yesterday and today and things are even steven now.
“Those who’ve played the game would appreciate what an increcredible innings that was from Faf and AB because when wickets are lost their lost in clumps. They took it down to the last hour and it was incredible. Unnecessary pressure on Faf going into the game and he’s answered them all.
“There’s good respect in the squad and to come out and bat and four and produce a performance like that was outstanding. Pushing into all-rounder category is Philander and he’s been great for us so far.
“Both teams have to regroup gong into Durban and hopefully we have a third Test in Cape Town. Morne’s injury also played a part in making the decision to draw the game becayse he was not a 100% and he doesn’t control that long body even when he was fit.”
India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni was pleased that his team had been able to hold South Africa back after they looked to be on track to win the match.
“We had a basic amount of knowledge of the conditions in the ODI games,” he said. “We usually play only one spinner outside India and we needed a big effort from the quicks and they delivered. Our batting did extremely well too, with Viat and Pujara and Vijay too to blunt the new ball.
I was confident if there was five runs to defend per over and they would pull it off. We might have been a little too attacking in the lead up but this experience will help them know when to throttle down and pump it up.
“Zak is the leader of the attack and he will teach the bowlers where to bowl. I can only put the field and the most impressive thing was his fitness and we look forward ot having him out there giving it his all again in Durban.
“We’ve got great support at there and the pitch is always sporting. We’ve got a few bowlers who’ve played there. We have plenty to gain from that Test and it;s important to rest up and get ready for that Test.”
India batsman Virat Kohli was named Man of the Match for scoring a century in his maiden Test innings in South Africa.
“It is the biggest challenge,” he said. “Tours of England, Australia and South Africa are the biggest test for a young subcontinent side. I didn’t feel too good, I had been playing patiently to get to those three figures. A hundred in both innings would have been perfect, but I was happy with 96. Visualising is important.
“We didn’t get too much time to prepare. We had time to get those net sessions in as we didn’t have time to do that in the one-dayers and the guys felt a lot more comfortable about the game and conditions.
“He’s [Pujara] been another Wall for us at No. 3. It was great batting out there with him. Unfortunately I was the culprit in his run out in the first innings and hopefully we have more such partnerships in the future.”