Jonhenry Wilson looks back on the second Test between South Africa and India played on a very un-Centurion surface.
South Africa’s victory in the second Test in centurion was satisfying on many levels. From the variable nature of the pitch and just deserts for Virat Kohli to the ongoing redemption for AB de Villiers and Lungi Ngidi’s ability to effectively follow in the footsteps of Marchant de Lange and Kyle Abbott – it was all entirely fulfilling.
While much was made of the rather un-Centurion deck, it ultimately complemented the one experienced in the series opener at Newlands. South Africa, India and other countries play on plenty of veritable tarmacs and dustbowls, so the ups and downs at SuperSport Park were a welcome change and a great challenge for even the steeliest of batsmen. The contest between bat and ball was, indeed, correctly balanced.
Many will be pleased that Kohli copped a fat fine for the dissent shown to umpire Michael Gough. His isolated actions then exemplified his arguable misbehaviour throughout the tour so far. It’s all well and good to be fired up, but there comes a time when the Indian captain needs to properly manage his penchant for being overzealous. It all started with his distasteful celebration of Faf du Plessis’ wicket at Newlands, which sparked the rest, and has been carefully monitored since.
All seems forgiven, meanwhile, for de Villiers. Not long ago, plenty were questioning his commitment to the Test team. He was accused of picking and choosing when and where he would play – and lost a few fans along the way. Most, if not all, are back though. As fickle as ever, the South African public will do well to reinvest their loyalty in the talismanic right-hander. He has quietly gone about his business, striking several key innings as a means of walking the talk.
It’s remarkable how new Proteas Test seamers have quickly made a mark on debut in recent years. De Lange and Abbott and nabbed seven-wicket hauls in their first matches – and now Ngidi has bagged a six-for. Duanne Olivier, unfortunately, didn’t manage as much – and has duly slipped down the pecking order by the look of it.
Here’s to a great future for Ngidi, in partnership with Kagiso Rabada and company. Tall, quick and smooth in action, he’s testament to the great work put in by the Titans coaching staff recently. The Proteas will need to manage his workload, so his injury-prone frame doesn’t have him on the sidelines again like after his T20I debut.
And so comes the opportunity to wrap up a convincing series whitewash in Johannesburg next week, when the Wanderers surface will be the truest of the lot. Spare a thought for Temba Bavuma, who was released from the second Test squad and probably won’t crack the nod for the third. He hasn’t done anything particularly wrong to be dropped, but his absence speaks to the strong, dominant nature of the current XI.
