Morne Morkel

Centurion, Dec 16: Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel stormed hardly on the Indian batsman on the first day of the Test match by their pace and bounce, which made batsman to be restricted to play freely and comfortably at the SuperSport Park. South Africa are poised on the driving seat on the first day of the match, where India were asked to bat by Graeme Smith, where the conditions were very much suitable for the bowlers having movements, bounce and pace in the wicket. But there was no sign of unplayable conditions and Indians could have survived, if played with little responsibility.

In batting line up only Sachin Tendulkar (36), Harbhajan Singh (27) and M. S. Dhoni (33) crossed the 15 run mark, which was very shameful and unexpected by seeing their Test rankings, as they are No 1 at the moment. India was bowled out for 136 at 38.1 over’s. Steyn took 3 wickets for 34 runs while Morkel took 4 for 20, as they supported each other, as they have come to do that more often for team. South Africa gave the crowd a huge smile, as there were many fans present to witness the World’s best two teams in action and it was only one who showed the real reputation.

Sehwag vs Steyn contest lasted for only three balls, where the first two were left alone by Sehwag, while the third one was wide enough towards the off stump and Sehwag went hard to that, but only being found caught on the third man, which was kept for that purpose. South Africa couldn’t much have asked for better start than this. Later Gambhir was also finding difficulties to survive pace and bounce from Morkel and was caught at the first slip. Later there was no stoppage to Indian collapse.

Tags: Centurion, Cricket, Dale Steyn, Harbhajan Singh, India, Morne Morke, Sachin Tendulkar, South Africa, Supersport Park, Test Cricket, Test Match