Updated On: 17 December, 2010 08:24 AM IST | | Sai Mohan
Practice-less MS Dhoni's men looked unprepared for the gruelling battle against Steyn, Morkel
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Practice-less MS Dhoni's men looked unprepared for the gruelling battle against Steyn, Morkel
South Africa captain Graeme Smith would be the first to admit that his arsenal, comprising of the best pace-attack in the world, wasn't at its finest yesterday. And yet, they had India reeling at 136-9 at stumps on the first day of the first Test. For an Indian supporter, the 38 overs of play must have felt like a lifetime.
The visitors had not left their hotel in Johannesburg until 1100 hrs local time when the match was scheduled to get underway at 1030 hrs.
No optimism
That was the lack of optimism among players and Cricket South Africa (CSA) about the possibility of a Test match getting underway after 18 hours of non-stop downpour all through Wednesday night into yesterday morning. In fact, some journalists were even thinking of not visiting the picturesque SuperSport Park here.
Having arrived at the ground, the Indians went through basic fielding and bowling drills. However, they didn't have any batting practice for the second day in a row. So, the last time any of the Indian batsmen visited the nets was Tuesday.
South Africa captain Graeme Smith would be the first to admit that his arsenal, comprising of the best pace-attack in the world, wasn't at its finest yesterday. And yet, they had India reeling at 136-9 at stumps on the first day of the first Test. For an Indian supporter, the 38 overs of play must have felt like a lifetime.
The visitors had not left their hotel in Johannesburg until 1100 hrs local time when the match was scheduled to get underway at 1030 hrs.
No optimism
That was the lack of optimism among players and Cricket South Africa (CSA) about the possibility of a Test match getting underway after 18 hours of non-stop downpour all through Wednesday night into yesterday morning. In fact, some journalists were even thinking of not visiting the picturesque SuperSport Park here.
Having arrived at the ground, the Indians went through basic fielding and bowling drills. However, they didn't have any batting practice for the second day in a row. So, the last time any of the Indian batsmen visited the nets was Tuesday.
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| Gotcha! South African pacer Dale Steyn (right) celebrates after dismissing India's VVS Laxman during the first day of the first Test at SuperSport Park in Centurion yesterday. Pic/AFP Read Next Story Trending StoriesLatest Photos |
