A good day of solid defence can be exhilarating

It was fascinating to watch South Africa’s approach in the final innings of their long tour of India. With the benefit of hindsight, one might be tempted to say that this is the approach they should have adopted right through the Test series, but that doesn’t really help now, does it?

I was delighted at the fight put up by South Africa, and specifically by Hashim Amla and A.B. de Villiers. These are among the premier batsmen in world cricket.

For them to knuckle down, not bother at all about run-scoring, to keep their egos at bay and to just address every delivery with a broad bat would have taken a great deal of mental strength and resolve. I doff my hat to them.

But then again, for every defensive question they asked, India’s bowling group collectively had the answers, so no one can grudge India the victory either.

South Africa showed that there is another dimension to batting. That you can block your way out of trouble.

It was something Jimmy Adams had showcased in 1994 when West Indies came to India. His defensive pad-play earned him the nickname Padams!

Well done, too, to the Indian bowlers, of whom R. Ashwin was again outstanding. To pick 31 wickets in three and a half Tests is no mean feat. I hope the pundits don’t dismiss his exploits as having come ‘merely’ on turning tracks at home; whatever the conditions, eight wickets a Test on an average is commendable. He is developing into an all-round bowler who has enough skill not to depend only on the pitch for results.

Kudos to Umesh

I thought Umesh Yadav was once again brilliant in the second innings. His control at over 140 kmph was exceptional, his mastery of reverse swing was near complete, and the manner in which he ran through the lower order after tea on the final day was a shot in the arm for fast bowlers operating on Indian soil.

Of all the Tests this series, this was the one that gave me the greatest enjoyment. It was hard grind, and as surprising as it might seem coming from a fast bowler, I enjoyed South Africa’s second-innings stonewalling the most.

That the game went into the final session of the final day was the best advertisement for Test cricket.

This great sport is not just about runs and wickets; sometimes, a good day of solid defence can be equally exhilarating.