R Ashwin ‘fear’ spins South Africa out of control

R Ashwin was pick of the bowlers for India, picking five in the first and seven wickets in the second innings. (Source: PTI)

So, South Africa’s nine-year unbeaten Test run away from home is over. It took longer than expected for India to complete the formality on the third day in Nagpur. This is because the visitors eventually showed some fight. The resistance came in the form of a 72-run fifth wicket partnership; Hashim Amla and Faf du Plessis stuck around for 46.2 overs in the second innings to delay the inevitable. They scored at a snail’s pace, occasionally giving respect even to ‘hit-me’ balls. But they were resilient. Sadly, it came a little too late. The Saffers suffered for coming into the Test series with a defeatist attitude.

Du Plessis could easily be held responsible. His comment on the Mohali pitch ahead of the opening Test sent negative vibes into the dressing-room. South Africa, who lead the ICC Test rankings, looked shaken even before a ball had been bowled in the longer format. It was unusual for a side with so much quality in its ranks. Also, they had been carrying the momentum after their T20 international and ODI series triumphs. In the Tests, however, they were done in by the fear factor.

Du Plessis has played enough cricket in this part of the world to be familiar with the conditions. He’s also very good at countering spin. However, as soon as he allowed negativity to creep in, he became a lesser player. He had scored 0, 1, 0 and 10 prior to this innings. He consumed 152 balls for his 39 but at least he showed the grit that had been missing previously.

Maybe, Ravi Ashwin’s return for the Tests had unnerved him or the whole team for that matter. The off-spinner had suffered a side strain during the first match of the ODI series and couldn’t take part in the next four games. The visitors breathed easy. Once he made himself available for the Tests, South Africa went into a shell. They just played into his hands.

Make no mistake, the form Ashwin is in at the moment, he would have troubled any batsman in the world, especially on these square turners. A tally of 24 wickets in five innings at 10.75 is an outstanding performance. He finished this Test with a 12-wicket match haul – fourth 10-for of his career. Except AB de Villiers to some extent, no South African batsman tried to upset his rhythm. They were very intimidated by his very presence.

Surprisingly, the Jamtha pitch started to behave differently today. Its spiteful nature was absent. From South Africa’s point of view, however, the damage had already been done. They will play for pride in Delhi and must have a rethink on the squad. Stiaan van Zyl never looked a Test opener in these conditions. The team management’s trust in Dane Vilas, picked for the series ahead of Quinton de Kock, has also proved to be misplaced.

Unbeaten for nine years on the road has been a fabulous achievement. At some point, the streak had to come to an end. Also, there’s no shame in losing to India in their lair. But the tame nature of the losses was a big letdown. South Africa became prisoners of their negative mindset.