India stunned by Proteas decision

[The_Right_Honourable_Brit]

Johannesburg – While Proteas captain Graeme Smith defended the decision of his side to bat out the last few overs for a draw, India were surprised by the approach of the South Africans according to Virat Kohli.

“Everyone was pretty shocked honestly,” said Kohli after the game.

South Africa ended on 450 for seven on Sunday, eight runs short of the 458 target set by India in the first of two Test matches, played at the Wanderers in Johannesburg.

Had South Africa been successful in their run chase, it would have been the highest ever total in scored in a fourth innings to win a Test.

Faf du Plessis who was at the crease for more than six-and-a-half hours for his 134 runs, was run out 3.1 overs before the end of the match.

After his demise, South Africa chose to defend the draw and bat out the day.

“We didn’t think they would stop going for the score, because with eight runs an over and with Philander striking the ball pretty well, they had a chance.”

http://www.iol.co.za/sport/cricket/proteas/india-stunned-by-proteas-decision-1.1626045#.UrgPqdIW18F

 

[undesign]

They don't understand cricket...

 

[Cius]

I think I would have preferred a loss to that draw. Rather go down fighting. Anyways, they are the professionals and I am just a lowly fan so what do I know.

 

[AthenianOwl]

http://www.iol.co.za/sport/cricket/proteas/india-stunned-by-proteas-decision-1.1626045#.UrgPqdIW18F

MINDGAME!!!! They want us to doubt our decision making ability while on the field.

 

[Baxteen]

it was crazy to try but awesome to watch.

once AB lost his wicket they had to change tactics.

Also those who think they should have just gone at it full on do not have the ability too see the bigger picture, we are not ranked first in the world because we take chances. we play the stable solid safe game.

 

[Garson007]

Lol, it's just mind games.

 

[icyrus]

I will never understand someone who would rather not lose than win.

 

[Garson007]

I will never understand someone who would rather not lose than win.

You don't understand cricket much.

 

[Creag]

They don't understand cricket...

To the Indian cricketer is it all about winning at all costs. I am grateful they opted to secure the game first. If opportunity had allowed, I am convinced that the Proteas would have taken the win.

MINDGAME!!!! They want us to doubt our decision making ability while on the field.

With Durban coming, I am sure they are even more nervous of what's coming. So they'd rather play mindgames with us.

 

[DJ...]

My problem with the decision is that no slogging was required when Steyn came in. A run a ball was all that was needed, and with the field Dhoni had set, this was not a problem.

Easy runs were turned down - and by easy I mean so easy that in some cases it looked like two was on. It was bizarre.

The decision also showed no faith in our lower order, who over the years have done some really great things. Steyn has a career best in the 70s, and Philander was coming off a 50 in the first innings. At no point in a would-be-chase of the win would we have been at major risk, and we still had three wickets in hand.

No, I cannot and will not ever agree with the decision to leave every ball and not run when they had the chance. I will not agree with the decision to bow out of a history-making chase on a risk-reward profile that was so low on the risk side, and so high on the reward side.

But in saying all of that, what we achieved was absolutely brilliant nonetheless. It could and should have been spectacular though...

 

[icyrus]

You don't understand cricket much.

Sure thing bub.

 

[mercurial]

Because pu$$ies, that's why.

/awaits "You don't understand test cricket/you only watch T20"

 

[AthenianOwl]

Because pu$$ies, that's why.

/awaits "You don't understand test cricket/you only watch T20"

Rather stick with 20/20 only if I were you.

 

[mercurial]

Reading the comments over here - http://www.supersport.com/cricket/sa-team/news/131222/We_support_the_decision_of_Dale_Vern

For the Captain to admit he left the decision to his tail-ender batsmen is a disgrace and if true, admits to gross dereliction of leadership. It's time we had a leader who actually wants to win, rather than wants not to lose.

Why don't SA Management and Captain take the punch and admit they decided to play for draw. We know Vernon and he takes on any bowler.

 

[Fulcrum29]

Because pu$$ies, that's why.

/awaits "You don't understand test cricket/you only watch T20"

Nobody watched cricket prior 2005

 

[Johnone]

You don't understand cricket much.

Tell that to Clive Rice:

http://www.sport24.co.za/cricket/indiainsa/rice-jennings-slam-proteas-20131224?mobile=true

 

[modern10]

This people don't understand cricket logic is odd from some of the guys on the forum. Using that logic it means guys like Pollock, Ray Jennings, HD Ackerman, etc also don't "know" cricket.

 

[Garson007]

Tell that to Clive Rice:

http://www.sport24.co.za/cricket/indiainsa/rice-jennings-slam-proteas-20131224?mobile=true

Yes, Clive Rice. He reminds me of another, much more recognisable, Clive. Ah, right. Clive Lloyd. Neither offers anything to their respective cricketing nations, other than damning criticism whenever there is any whiff of a controversy.

Clive Rice is just another expatriate that will complain about South Africa when given a voice. A complete and utter waste to lend your ears to.

 

[undesign]

Clive Rice is just another expatriate that will complain about South Africa when given a voice. A complete and utter waste to lend your ears to.

And Ray Jennings?

 

[Garson007]

And Ray Jennings?

He was understandably disappointed, as were other guys mentioned. Difference of opinion will exist. However, I don't think Jennings ever mentioned it being a choke which seem to have been completely inferred by News24.