Sanjay Manjrekar attributed the Day 1 wicket fall to both pitch conditions and modern batting trends, pointing out that the focus on white-ball formats has led to a decreased emphasis on defensive techniques.
The second Test between India and South Africa at Newlands witnessed a surprise display as 22 wickets tumbled solely to pacers on Day 1, highlighting the dominance of fast bowlers and the absence of spinners throughout the play. Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar attributed the wicket fall to both the pitch conditions and the modern style of batting.
The day began with Mohammed Siraj’s superb six-wicket haul, restricting South Africa to a mere 55 runs. India, initially at 153 for 4, lost six wickets without scoring, holding a 98-run lead. Subsequently, South Africa concluded at 62/3, ending an action-packed day with 23 wickets falling, almost approaching the record of 25 wickets in a day set in a historic Ashes Test in 1902.
When speaking on Star Sports, Majrekar attributed the high wicket fall on Day 1 to the pitch conditions and modern batting trends, where defense is not a primary focus due to Test cricket being considered the third priority. He also likened the bowlers’ performance to superheroes, noting Siraj and Mukesh Kumar’s excellent display for India, and Rabada’s skills for South Africa.
“I think it’s got a lot to do with the pitch. It’s got a bit to do with the new-age batting that’s maybe not focusing on defence as much, understandably because Test cricket has been the third format when it comes to priority. So if there’s a bit of life in the pitch, then these things happen. It was almost like the bowlers were wearing a cape in Cape Town,” said Manjrekar.
“One of the interesting things is, 55 all out for South Africa but when you look at the bowling attack, Siraj bowled superbly and Mukesh Kumar supported him. So, two bowlers hit their straps. Even for South Africa, Rabada was good. When you see scores like this with collapses on both sides, you would think that all four bowlers were at the top of the game,” he added.
Last Updated on January 4, 2024
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