In just over 12 months, India have been humbled at home twice. Their sparkling record at home has suffered another major dent as South Africa proved why they are the reigning world champions after securing a record-breaking 408-run win over India on the fifth day of the second Test in Guwahati. In doing so, they also completed a 2-0 clean sweep of the series, having won the Kolkata Test inside three days.
This is South Africa’s first Test series win in India since 2000, when the late Hansie Cronje-led side won 2-0.
Chasing 549, India resumed on their overnight score of 27/2 and soon Simon Harmer resumed the demolition job when he outfoxed nightwatchman Kuldeep Yadav with a straight delivery to have him bowled on 5. That triggered a collapse from which there was no looking back for the tourists as Harmer finished with excellent bowling figures of 6/37, with India skittling for 140 in 63.5 overs.
The mammoth target of 549 was never in the equation, but the manner in which India surrendered will rankle for some time to come. The Barsapara track was one of the best Indian tracks provided in recent times where batters with proper technique and application were able to score, as the pacers who knew their lengths excelled and spinners with guile ruled the roost.
South Africa outclassed India across departments as they became the first visiting team to complete multiple Test series whitewashes in India.
Wickets were going down like ninepins at one end while all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja waged a long battle at the other. He scored a half-century even as India hurtled towards the historic defeat at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium.
At 54, he stepped out and was stumped off Keshav Maharaj (2/37) to end India’s flickering hope.
The manner in which Marco Jansen took the final catch summed up South Africa’s display. Mohammed Siraj took the aerial route, and Jansen ran back from mid-on before stretching his left hand to pluck a one-handed blinder and complete the formality before being mobbed by his stunned teammates.
