Jonhenry Wilson reflects on the captivating second Test between South Africa and India, played on a surprisingly challenging Centurion pitch.
The Proteas’ victory in the second Test at Centurion brought satisfaction on multiple fronts. The unpredictable pitch conditions, justice served to Virat Kohli, and the heartening comeback of AB de Villiers highlighted a series of fulfilling moments. Lungi Ngidi’s impressive performance has further established him as a worthy successor to Marchant de Lange and Kyle Abbott.
Though the pitch was far from the typical Centurion surface, it offered a fascinating contrast to the first Test at Newlands, adding a fresh and welcome challenge for both batsmen and bowlers alike. Matches on such tricky surfaces remind us of the true contest between bat and ball, and this Test delivered just that.
Virat Kohli’s hefty fine for dissent towards umpire Michael Gough was a notable moment, reflecting ongoing concerns about his conduct throughout the tour. While passion is part and parcel of international cricket, managing emotions is key for any captain, and Kohli’s actions, starting from his controversial celebration of Faf du Plessis’ wicket, have been under the spotlight.
AB de Villiers’ commitment to the Test side now seems beyond question. Previously doubted for his occasional selectiveness, he has won back fans with solid, decisive innings. His quiet professionalism reminds us why he is a treasured figure in South African cricket.
South Africa’s recent trend of debutant seamers making instant impact continues, with Ngidi joining the ranks alongside de Lange and Abbott, both of whom took seven wickets in their maiden Tests. While Duanne Olivier hasn’t matched this form, Ngidi’s six-wicket haul signals promising prospects for the Proteas’ fast bowling attack.
With his smooth action and pace, Ngidi stands as a testament to the excellent coaching at the Titans. The team will need to carefully manage his workload to protect him from injury setbacks that marred his early career after his T20 International debut.
All eyes now turn to Johannesburg, where the series finale at the Wanderers promises to be played on the most true-to-form wicket of the tour. Temba Bavuma’s exclusion from the squad, despite no glaring faults in his play, underscores the strength and dominance of the current South African XI.
The views expressed here are those of the author in a personal capacity and do not reflect official Hollywoodbets opinions.
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