South Africa chased down 240 runs in the fourth innings of the Johannesburg Test pretty comfortably with skipper Dean Elgar leading from the front as he played an unbeaten knock of 96 runs as the hosts leveled the series 1-1. While many heaped praise on South Africa batsmen saying how well the likes of Elgar, Rassie van der Dussen and Temba Bavuma batted on that Wanderers pitch, which was up and down, some also said that Indian speedster Jasprit Bumrah not turning up, also affected the visitors’ bowling effort.
Bumrah, who took just one wicket in the match returned with the figures of 0/70 in 17 overs in the second innings as Proteas batsmen masterfully played him and minimized the threat offered by him. Speaking on the same, former SA pacer Fanie de Villiers said that it wasn’t that Bumrah bowled badly but it was masterful planning to tackle him from the Proteas batters.
“I don’t think it is a question of him lacking ability or he bowled badly. I think South Africa has worked him out. Since he has been India’s most important bowler, lots of team discussion has gone on how to tackle and survive Bumrah. I think South Africa has learned their lessons from the first Test,” de Villiers told the Indian Express.
De Villiers said that Bumrah should have made them play a little more as they were leaving a lot of deliveries which made them counter his threat.
“This is where he lacked in the second Test as South African batters were leaving so many deliveries from him. Even Elgar played him better than before, although he got hit a couple of times.
“In South Africa, fuller deliveries have always been more successful. The bowler, who has got the ability to bowl both inswinger and outswinger, will be more effective. That’s the reason why Vernon Philander enjoyed his greatest successes at home and especially at the Newlands [venue of the last Test],” he further added.
Bumrah will be looking to improve upon his performance from the last game as the series heads to the decider at the Newlands in Cape Town, starting Tuesday, January 11.
