NEW DELHI: An unimpressive bowling performance was followed by a shock surrender by the batters in the second innings as India slumped to an embarrassing defeat in the Boxing Day Test against South Africa in Centurion on Thursday.
Following an innings and 32-run loss inside three days, a disheartened skipper
Rohit Sharma
admitted that the team failed collectively.
After the hosts took a big 163-run first innings lead, riding on 183 from Dean Elgar, India were skittled out for a lowly 131 in 34 overs in their second innings.
Rohit said the batters didn't bat well in both innings and the bowlers too failed to exploit the conditions.
"We were not good enough to win. We failed to exploit conditions with the ball. Batting was poor in the second innings, Virat batted brilliantly but if you have to win Tests, have to come together collectively. We failed to do that. Our batters were challenged at different times. We didn't adapt well. We didn't bat well both times which is why we stand here," Rohit said in the post-match interaction.
After India managed 245 in their first innings, the Proteas batters raked up 408 in their first outing as India bowlers were pretty disappointing in bowling-friendly conditions. The skipper however said he does not want to be too harsh on the bowlers.
"There were some positives. Not a lot when you finish the game inside three days. KL the way he batted, he showed what you need to do on that kind of pitch. Don't want to be too critical on the bowlers, they haven't played much here. We'll regroup and come back. It's important to regroup as quickly as we can, tough from a loss like these but as sportsmen you go through these times. Got to pick ourselves up," Rohit said.
With the big win in Centurion, the Proteas took an unassailable 1-0 lead in the 2-match series.
The second and final Test will be played in Cape Town from January 3, 2024.
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