The fastest triple hundred ever, three century, a eight-wicket match haul and a deadly spell of reverse swing — despite all that five days were not enough to throw up a winner. As South Africa’s score of 331/5 took the total runs scored at Chepauk to two less than 1500 and the wicket count was an abysmal 25, curtains were drawn to this inconclusive first encounter between India and South Africa.

However, there was one clear message that the South Africans have been able to put across. If India are harbouring any dreams of tackling the tourists by providing docile wickets and using spin as their most potent weapon in sweltering conditions, they need to rethink their plans.

No backing off

As if series wins on tours to Pakistan and Bangladesh wasn’t enough for Graeme Smith’s men, their exceptional five days here showed they are equipped well to succeed in the sub-continent.

The temperature remained a consistently searing 39 degrees and humidity at 87. The shirt stuck to the skin and sweat blurred the eyesight for all the five days. Sehwag’s 319 was intimidating but still the tourists weren’t disillusioned. When the South Africa came out to bat after being on field for more than 150 overs, their batsmen didn’t lose focus. The openers ensured a decent start, there was a 157-run partnership for the second wicket and Neil McKenzie dropped the anchor to score 155 off 339 balls. In short, even if the game was heading for a draw, none of the top-order batsmen took things lightly. All this despite the fact that their main batsman Jacques Kallis merely scored 32 runs in two innings.

... contd.