India’s famous overseas Test victories

 

India tour of South Africa, 1st Test: at Johannesburg, Dec 15-18, 2006

Backdrop:

India has never won a test match in South Africa. New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg is known as ‘Bull-ring’ for providing an intimidating experience for the visitors. The fast bowling department of South Africa had the likes of Shaun Pollock, Makhaya Ntini, Dale Steyn, Andre Nel and Jacques Kallis which can give nightmares to any batsman, leave alone Indians who have been average players of short deliveries.

All eyes were on Saurav Ganguly who was integrated into team after the Chappel fiasco to see how he performs overseas, to see if he has improved his technique.

Brief Report:

Anil Kumble won the toss and decided to bat. Shaun Pollock and Ntini shook the Indian batting order, as India could manage a total of only 249, with Ganguly top scoring at 51 not out. The Indian bowling was even more clinical as Sreesanth grabbed a 5-wicket haul to end the South Africa innings at 84.

Having a healthy lead, India managed to get 236 in the second innings, this time Laxman played a fine innings and getting an individual score of 73. Set a mammoth target of 403, South Africa got all-out for 278, a much improved show compared to their first inning.

Ashwell Prince missed his century by just 3 runs and from Indian side, Sreesanth, Zaheer and Kumble got 3 wickets each. This was India’s first ever test victory in South African soil.

Man of the match:

Sreesanth was adjudged man of the match for his 8 wickets in this test match.

Final Series Score line:

South Africa won the series 2-1.