India recorded their first series triumph on New Zealand soil in 41 years though rain denied them a deserving victory in the third Test on Tuesday.
Rain played spoilsport in India's push for a 2-0 series win on the fifth and final day and the hosts escaped with a draw after they were down 281 for eight in the post-lunch session in chase of a near impossible 617 for a win.
The visitors will have to be content with a 1-0 victory in the three-match Test series after India won the first match in Hamilton by 10 wickets and drawing the second in Napier.
Despite the draw, India ended their long wait of 41 years to win a Test series in New Zealand after Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi-led side drubbed the Kiwis 3-1 in 1968.
Winds of dissatisfaction have been blowing all over England with the sacking of their coach Peter Moores following their poor performance against India in India. Kevin Pietersen has stepped down as England captain with immediate effect and Andrew Strauss has been named captain for the tour of West Indies later this month and the ECB will begin an immediate search for a new coach.
Pietersen said "in light of recent communications with the ECB, and the unfortunate media stories and speculation that have subsequently appeared, I now consider that it would be extremely difficult for me to continue in my current position with the England cricket team. Accordingly, I have as of this afternoon decided to stand down as England captain with immediate effect. Notwithstanding my resignation as England captain, I still fully intend to be a part of both England's Test and One Day International squad to tour the West Indies next month and to do all I can to recapture the Ashes during the summer."
Kallis is sick of Kanpur's wicket. He wrote in Hindu "Hopefully we can avoid Kanpur next time. Two Tests here is enough!"
Further he mentioned "It is extremely hard for a touring team to win here as India’s record
of losing just two series in the last 20 years shows. At least I was a
part of the South African team in 2000 that managed that feat so I know
how good and rewarding it feels. Hopefully I will still be around for
one last chance to do it again in a few years. Perhaps I’ll be bowling
off-spin by then!"
Yes! the pitches should have some international standards and shouldn't be prepared for home team's advantage.
India 325 (Ganguly 87, Laxman 50) and 64 for 2 beat South Africa 265 (Smith 69, Amla 51) and 121 (Harbhajan 4-44) by 8 wickets
What a surprise win for India to even out the three Test series against South Africa with 1-1. Match was pretty much in balance at the end of day 2 at Green Stadium in Kanpur. I had never ever imagined that day three will swing in favor of India - so soon. Specially, after the miserable loss in Test 2 at Ahmedabad, it was totally unexpected of India to pull it off.
With India's slender lead of 23 at the end of Day two, either team could have won the game when the day started, but India were the side that won every session today, and convincingly. India convincingly pulled the match in the favor by lasting some more in the first innings taking a lead of 60 runs - this was second highest partnership for tenth wicket by Indians.
Off-spinner Harbhajan bagged 4-44 and part-time spinner Sehwag 3-12 as
South Africa were shot out for 121 in their second innings on a turning
track of unpredictable bounce after conceding a 60-run lead on the
third day.
The momentum seemed to be shifting, when Mahendra Singh Dhoni turned to
Sehwag, and the move turned out to be a masterstroke. Sehwag's first
ball kicked up spitefully, took the edge of Kallis' bat, and went
straight to Jaffer at short leg. Four overs later, there was more to
celebrate for India as Smith was bowled by a full delivery which
pitched outside leg and spun back sharply to strike the stumps.
With Chawla turning out to be such a disappointment, Dhoni relied on
Harbhajan, Sehwag and Ishant, and the three combined superbly.
No doubt the credit should go to Harbhajan and Sehwag. More than that I think, the main hero of the match has been the India captain MS Dhoni, who played his bowlers effectively.
