India Beats South Africa to Win First Test at Mohali

Indian cricket team led by young captain Virat Kohli made impressive start to 4 match series against South Africa at Mohali. India beats South Africa by 108 runs to take 1-0 lead in the series. India made 201 and 200 while South Africa replied with 184 and 109 runs in their respective innings.

Murali Vijay (75 and 47) batted well in both innings while Pujara made gusty 77 in second innings to help India to post winning total. From South African side, Captain AB de Villiers made 63 runs in 1^st innings as all his teammates faltered against Indian spinners.

Ashwin took 5-24 and 3-39 while left arm spinner Jadeja bowled to get 3-55 and 5-21. Ravindra Jadeja was also adjudged as Man of the Match for his all-round performance in his comeback match.

Indian team would be happy to start very important test series on winning note as South Africa got better off them in ODI and T20 series recently. Second test match of the series would be played at Bengaluru between 14^th to 18^th November.  

You may like to read about Why Virender Sehwag is the greatest test cricket opening batsman of all time?

Why Cheteshwar Pujara should play One Day cricket for India?

The selection of India’s One Day International team for home series against Pakistan creates more questions than giving any fruitful answers. In spite of performing extremely well against mighty English side during the test series, India’s latest batting sensation Cheteshwar Pujara could not find the place in One Day team.

Cheteshwar Pujara has played 9 test matches scoring 761 runs at an impressive average of 58.53 with 3 centuries. He has also played 30 T20 matches and batted with a strike rate of 108.44 showing that he certainly knows how to score runs quickly.

We must remember that India would be playing next World Cup in Australia where team would need few batsmen with sound technique and ability to play pace bowling effectively. On both these parameters, Pujara fits the bill.

With form and fitness of “Sehwag”, Puajara might prove handy as opener so that rest of lineup could attack while Puajara holds one side firm. Puajra had certainly showed that he possess the ability to play for long time without losing wicket.

If Indian team management are serious about their preparation for next World Cup and want to follow certain road map then you can’t cross many miles without taking player like Puajara on board!

England created history by beating Indian test side at home after 28 years

With 4^th test at Nagpur ending in a draw due to determined efforts by English batting pair of Trott (143) and Bell (116*) on a fifth day; India lost test series to Barmy Army 2-1. Alastair Cook’s men created history by beating India on their home soil ending long wait of 28 years.

Fast bowler James Anderson was judged as Man of the Match for his sensational bowling performance of 81-4 during Indian batting. While Cook bagged Man of Series award for remarkable batting couple with inspiring leadership. Cook scored 562 runs at an average of 80.28 scoring 3 centuries.

England played as an outstanding cohesive unit during the entire span of test series overcoming unfamiliar conditions coupled with huge pressure from Indian crowd. Especially, batting of flamboyant Kevin Pietersen, gritty innings by wicketkeeper Matt Prior along with impressive bowling by spin duo of Swann and Panesar were key highlights for visitors.

From Indian point of view, two positives were brilliant batting by talented Pujara who scored 438 runs at an average of 87.60 and courageous batting by Ashwin who averaged 60.75 in the series coming at No.8. It would be tough time for rest of Indian cricket players in near future where pressure is mounting on Dhoni and Tendulkar due to their indifferent performances.