India vs. South Africa, 3rd Test, Day 2: South Africa Slump to Record Low Total

It looks like we're set for another three-day Test in Nagpur, India. At the end of Day 2, 32 wickets have fallen. South Africa are faced with the mammoth task of trying to survive for three days and, if they can, tick 278 runs off the board for victory.

If they managed to achieve this, it will be one of the greatest victories ever for the team, but it seems an impossible task at the moment. With so much action, there was much to talk about. Here are some talking points from Day 2 of the third Test between India and South Africa.

The outrage over the pitch

Everyone from Glenn Maxwell to Michael Vaughan tweeted their outrage about the surface as South Africa crumbled to an embarrassing 79 all out, their lowest total in Tests since readmission.

Just three players managed to get into double figures and nobody scored over 35.  So far, not a single batsman has managed to score over 40, and the state of the wicket has been a big talking point. The wicket isn’t fit for a five-day Test, and the fact that it’s been turning square from Day 1 tells you that this was deliberately prepared to play on South Africa’s weakness against spin. The toss has played a massive role and India have been on the right side of it, but that’s not the whole story.

But there is another side to the story of the pitch

South Africa have to take more responsibility for their dodgy batting. Irresponsible and unnecessary shots from the visitors was the main culprit for dismissals.

Both teams have to bat on the surface, and while India didn’t look overly comfortable, they stuck it out because South Africa’s spinners have not been as effective. Many of South Africa’s dismissals in the first innings were due to poor shot-selection and lack of patience.

The use of the nightwatchman

For the second time in this series, South Africa opted for a nightwatchman and for a second time in this series, the experiment failed.

Imran Tahir survived just seven balls before Hashim Amla had to stroll out to the middle. For many, the tactic of using a nightwatchman is outdated, and in especially tough conditions, it should be the senior batsmen who tough it out.

The mystery of Imran Tahir

Imran Tahir hasn’t been convincing in this series. Usually best when it comes to spinning out the tail, he failed to do so in the first innings. With a turning pitch to aid him, Tahir looked quite average on Day 1.

In the second innings, Tahir did not come on to bowl until the 25th over. Whether this was as a result of his poor performance in the first innings or because captain Hashim Amla was trying to stem the flow of runs, we don’t know. But Tahir made up for being held back and picked up five wickets in 11.3 overs.

He was vital in restricting India in their second innings and his hot-and-cold performances left everyone confused.