We won't rest on our laurels

Shaun Pollock

The second day of the Test match in Bloemfontein set up South Africa's victory with the efforts of both our bowlers and batsmen comfortably finding reward. I left for the ground that morning still weighing up the merits of my decision to bowl first after a threatening first innings performance bythe Indian team had left South Africa on the back foot at the close of play.

I soon found relief working in tandem with Nantie Hayward and managing to wrap up the three-wicket tail for less than ten runs. This dream start in the field was complimented by an outstanding first wicket partnership from Gary andHerschelle which set the platform for a big first innings score.

Winning a Test match is all about taking 20 wickets and in the context of the game we gave ourselves the best opportunity by bowling first. At one stage we had India at 68 for four which highlights the disadvantages of batting in the first morning of a Test match when the ball swings and seams, especially on a green wicket.

The pitch played well and I believe that these are the kinds of wickets that Test cricket should be played on, ensuring plenty of runs are scored at a good rate, with assistance on offer for the bowlers throughout the game.

India fought back from a shaky start with some phenomenal batting from Tendulkar and Sehwag to place themselves in a supreme position. The wicket offered the bowlers assistance, was slow to start, becoming quicker as the game went on.

These conditions meant that any deliveries which were too short could be easily dispatched to the boundary. Sachin read the pitch brilliantly and demonstrated once again why he is the key wicket in the Indian line-up.

Although Sehwag made a credible start to his Test match career, which should give him confidence during the series, I feel our bowlers could have approached him with more planning.

At close of play, after a good start by South Africa we were disappointed to have let India off the hook.Fortunately, the tables were to turn again and after signs of Klusener's return to form and good contributions from the batting line-up, we found ourselves in a commanding position.

The team which manages to post a first innings lead has the psychological edge on their opponents and the Indians had their work cut out for them in posting a defendable score tobowl to.

To be honest both bowling attacks looked a little rusty throughout the Test(evidence of the fact that both teams haven't been involved in anyfirst-class cricket for a while) resulting in high scoring rates throughout the match.

I finally managed to reach the milestone of 10 wickets in a Test matchallowing me to match the one outstanding record that my father had achieved and I had not. I'm also chuffed to have taken five wickets against every Test team that I have played against.

There were also other personal milestones achieved. I'm sure Jacques Kallis was delighted to reach 100 wickets, putting an end to the change-room banter which implied that you're not a true all-rounder until you've bagged 100!

It was a great moment for Javagal Srinath, a loyal servant of Indian cricket, to reach his 200th Test wicket.He has performed brilliantly for India over the years often leading theIndian attack.

The only thing that I didn't enjoy was the fact that I became his 200th victim! The South African team are encouraged by our 9-wicket win and the way in which we managed to turn the game around. However we won't rest on our laurels when we face India next Friday.

The St.Georges Park experience is unique in that entertaining and challenging cricket is likely to be played amidst the sounds of a brass band. The Indian team should enjoy the carnival atmosphere and good crowd support.

- G E Features

Earlier columns:
- I would have preferred to celebrate with a win
- Our ploy proved successful