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Cave-In At Cape Town; Dravid, Chappell Have No Explanation To Offer After Durban Debacle
The backdrop of the picturesque Table Mountain here soon degenerated into an all too familiar nightmare for India on Sunday. Powered by a Justin Kemp century, South Africa recovered from the loss of two big wickets in the opening over of the second one-dayer to post a massive 274 for seven that looked as distant as the moon at one stage. They then came back even more strongly to snuff out India for 168 in 41.3 overs. The 106-run victory has given the South Africans a 2-0 lead and a stranglehold on India.
Rahul Dravid, after finally agreeing to bat at number three, fought a lonely and futile battle. His 63 off 103 balls and Mahender Singh Dhoni’s quickfire 55 (including 3 boundaries and 4 sixes) were never going to be enough. Especially after they lost their key players, Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar, inside the first five overs. Before that, India made four dramatic changes to the team that was mauled in Durban. Suresh Raina and Dinesh Mongia were dropped. Sehwag returned from injury while Munaf Patel replaced him in the casualty ward.In effect, it meant they were playing with four specialist batsmen, two wicket-keepers and five bowlers on a pitch that offered them their first best chance. Clearly, either there isn’t enough depth in the team or not enough clarity in the thinking room.
Skipper Rahul Dravid, looking understandably despondent, said, “We had our opportunities but didn’t hold on to our chances.’’ He praised centurion Justin Kemp, saying, “Justin batted beautifully.’’In a statement that’s bound to infuriate already irate Indian MPs, coach Greg Chappell was quoted by TV channels on Sunday as saying, “One can’t stop politicians from talking, they are paid to do so.’’ However, he too made his disappointment clear. “There is not a lot we can say to the country’s fans after a performance like this. Rahul batted very well, but he needs support,’’ he said.