South Africa defeated Team India by an innings and 32 runs in the opening Test of the two-match series on Thursday (December 28) at Centurion’s SuperSport Park.
The Proteas began today with a 256/5 overnight score. Dean Elgar and Marco Jansen’s inventive strokeplay continued to wreak havoc on the Indian bowlers.
Dean Elgar hit a match-defining 185 (287) and put up 111 runs for the sixth wicket before Shardul Thakur ultimately removed him. South Africa’s first innings total was 408 after Marco Jansen (84*) smashed a couple boundaries in the company of tailenders. The hosts jumped off to a huge 163-run lead thanks to outstanding efforts from Jansen and Elgar.
India’s cricket team struggled in the second innings, meeting a relentless South African bowling force. Virat Kohli (76), tried his best with an impressive half-century, but lacked the necessary support at the other end.
Following this underwhelming performance, many fans were let down. They shared amusing memes expressing their disappointment. One of them suggested that India’s Test cricket performance has regressed to pre-2014 standards, before Virat Kohli became captain:
“Dark days back.”
Here’s a collection of the best memes:
Dean Elgar praises South Africa’s bowlers for taking 20 wickets in India’s rout
After the game, Dean Elgar, South Africa’s temporary leader, spoke about his feelings of content on his and the other team members’ showing. When thinking about their victory, Elgar stated:
“Always wanted to contribute with big scores. It hasn’t worked out at times, but it did today. Massive effort by bowlers to pick up 20 wickets. It was quite juicy. You have got to keep it nice and simple.
“Batting in Tests, you need to keep it simple. Game is pretty difficult, complex at times. Focus on the ball, play nice and straight. Wicket’s like that, one’s gonna come with your name on it.”
Dean Elgar
He continued:
“You need fast bowlers and a spinners, ultimately you need those 20 wicket to win the series. Superb first spell by Rabada, and somebody like Nandre coming to the fore. That has been the shining light. Heap of rubbish and get rewards. Really great team rewards. Playing a two test series, you can’t win if you don’t win first. On their day, India is difficult to beat. Last international here, good to leave on a high.”
Dean Elgar
Looking to rebound, Men in Blue targets a series tie. They’re challenging South Africa in the second Test. The match takes place in Cape Town on January 3.