Batting carnage as South Africa blast India aside

CAPE TOWN: Eighteen wickets fell in a day as South Africa beat India in the first of three battles between Test cricket’s two leading teams at Newlands on Monday with both captains hailing the pitch’s contribution to the batting carnage.

“The pitch was outstanding,” said Indian captain Virat Kohli after South Africa won the first Test by 72 runs with a day to spare.

“It was great for Test cricket. Both teams were in the game at different stages. As a team we really enjoyed being part of this Test match.”

“This was as good as it gets in Test cricket,” said South African captain Faf du Plessis.

“It was fantastic to be part of it. It definitely ranks as one of my favourite Test matches.”

India were bowled out for 135 after being set to make 208 to win. Man of the match Vernon Philander led the South African attack, which was missing the injured Dale Steyn, taking six for 42.

India had earlier bowled South Africa out for 130 in their second innings. Eighteen wickets fell during the day while 200 runs were scored on a pitch which had plenty of life after being under covers for all of the third day, which was rained off.

Kohli was disappointed with the batting of his number one-ranked team - but felt they had shown they could compete with their nearest challengers in pace-friendly conditions.

He said India were looking forward to taking the South Africans head-on in the second Test starting at Centurion on Saturday.

“We needed someone to go out there and score 75 or 80 and we need to sit down and talk about stringing together partnerships. You can’t afford to lose three or four wickets quickly as we did today.”

Kohli gave credit to South Africa’s pace bowling attack.

“Their bowlers create relentless pressure. They force you to play good cricket in every over.”

The Indian captain suggested the Indian batsmen might need to show more of the aggressive intent epitomised by Hardik Pandya, who hit 93 off 95 balls in the first innings.

“Hardik showed a lot of character. We need to make their bowlers come back for second or third spells.”

Du Plessis admitted that he was nervous about defending a low target after South Africa lost their last eight wickets for 65 runs before lunch. - AFP