Tough lesson: India pacemen seam out of control vs Proteas

India’s template of success in overseas conditions was built on bowling as a unit and keeping pressure

- Sanjjeev K Samyal

For most of the first Test between South Africa and India, the Centurion was the kind of setting pace bowlers dream about.

An overcast sky coupled with a spicy surface which thanks to a healthy grass cover afforded good bounce and movement. On such helpful tracks, the seamers' job is easier. Even if you don't have the skills to outthink and set-up the batters, you can still make hay. Put the ball in the right areas and let the conditions do the rest.

That is exactly why India's first innings total of 245 was being seen as a good effort. But to the dismay of Indian fans, the bowlers failed to cash in as the visitors crashed to an innings defeat.

When you concede a lead of 163 on a South African pitch, the chance of a comeback for a team from the subcontinent is not a good one. Led by Dean Elgar's 185, South Africa posted 408 runs despite having just 10 batters after skipper Temba Bavuma was retired out courtesy a hamstring injury on the opening day.

When you concede runs at the rate of 3.79 (Mohammed Siraj), 5.32 (Shardul Thakur), and 4.65 (Prasidh Krishna), the team has little control over the proceedings. It also meant that Jasprit Bumrah's fine effort went in vain. He was his usual self in the first innings 26-4-5-69-4 but, frustratingly, lacked support.