India declared the first innings after scoring 502 runs with the loss of seven wickets. On the first day, South African bowlers were not able to take a wicket as opener Rohit Sharma and Mayank Agarwal build a strong partnership. The proteas had no answer to the Indian batsman. Former South cricketer Shaun Pollock advised the Proteas to change their bowling style.
Rohit and Mayank continued their partnership on the second day. Mayank hit the double century (215) and Rohit innings ended after scoring 176 runs. Both the openers gave a good start to the team in Visakhapatnam.
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Former South African cricketer Shaun Pollock talked to Sportstar and said that the Indian conditions are not suiting the visitors. The bowlers should use their experience and adopt a new style, he opines.
“Perhaps, the conditions are not suiting our bowlers here. They have to think out of the box, apply all their knowledge and experience to be effective in these conditions. I don’t believe they can’t be.”
“There are moments in the game when you need to cash in. It is vital when you have the new ball in your hand, you got to make it count. Later, you have to get the ball to reverse. You have to bowl with good control,” said Pollock
“And you have to be clever when you bowl at different batsmen, you need to work out their weaknesses and expose them as soon as possible. You got to earmark certain periods in a match and realize you have a job to do. And when you get that done, you really have to press on the advantage.”
Pollock advise to Rabada and Philander
Kagiso Rabada was ineffective in the field. He bowled 24 wickets but didn’t pick a wicket. Vernon Philander bowled 22 overs, gave 68 runs and picked only one wicket. Pollock was also not happy with their performance.
“They beat the outside edge, asked an awful lot of questions in the first 10 overs in particular. But they needed to make early inroads. Our bowlers need to make adjustments. Our last Test was in February-March. You just don’t walk into Test cricket and find your length and rhythm.”
After scoring 150+, Rohit Sharma has proven that he deserves the place in the Test team. Pollock is impressed with Rohit’s performance but opines that the real test for the opener will be on foreign grounds.
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“Given his Test career, he has always done a brilliant job in India. His biggest challenges will come when he has to go overseas. Only he can answer those questions when he goes there. Let’s see what he can do in New Zealand.”
Jasprit Bumrah is ruled out from the squad because of a stress fracture in his lower back. Pollock is a bit disappointed because he wanted to see him playing against the visitors.
He said “I would have loved to see Bumrah. I am disappointed he is not playing. I have really been impressed by Bumrah.”