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Watch: Rohit Sharma's Animated Reaction After Taking Aiden Markram's Catch In Second Test vs South Africa

Emotions were heavily invested during the Indian cricket team's second and final Test match against South Africa at Newlands, Capetown. The guests suffered an innings-and-32-run drubbing in the first Test match in Centurion and this was their only chance to make up for it with a series-levelling win. Team India came with added energy and went on to win the game by 7 wickets that too within two days. What the win meant for the side was clearly visible when India skipper Rohit Sharma vented out his frustration with an animated celebration after taking the catch of Aiden Markram. The wicket more or less made sure that India had to chase a paltry total.

"What If 20 Wickets Fell On Day 1 In India?": Indian Star's Swipe At 'Pitch Critics'

As a whopping 23 wickets fell on Day 1 of the second Test between India and South Africa in Cape Town, the world of social media is going ga-ga over the nature of pitch used in the match. Whenever an early result is obtained in a Test match in India, the 'pitch critics' often call out the imbalance between the bat and the ball. However, no such remark has been made yet about the Newlands wicket. Indian cricketer Mayank Agarwal, reacting to the developments in South Africa, wondered what would've happened had 20 wickets fell on the first day of a Test match in India.

Shreyas Iyer's Short Ball Problems Remain A Worry

Just before the start of the second Test in Cape Town, Shreyas Iyer straightaway walked outside the Newlands Stadium for throwdowns after arriving for an optional training session. The two throwdown experts Nuwan Senaviratne -- the southpaw side-armer -- and Raghavendra, along with batting coach Vikram Rathour, were letting it rip from 18 yards. The idea was to get the flashy Mumbaikar match-ready for short balls which has been his problem across formats from the time he made his debut. Few minutes into the session, he got one throwdown from 18 yards, short and mean into the body that kicked up from length. It was more than 150 clicks due to the shorter distance traversed. The bat didn't come down in time and he was hit on the fleshy area between upper and lower abdomen.

"When Overseas Cricketers Come To India...": Irfan Pathan Fires Salvo, Settles 'Pitch Talk'

A drama-filled Day 1 of the second Test between India and South Africa concluded with a staggering 23 wickets falling. The stunning batting collapse triggered the cricket world on social media, with talks abou the nature of the pitch taking the center stage. Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan also joined the bandwagon, suggesting it isn't that the pitch is bad but the skills that the teams should focus on. Irfan also recalled how players would often complain about the nature of the spin-friendly pitches in India while there's no such chatter in South Africa.

"Aap Karo Toh Chamatkar...": Virender Sehwag's Sharp Verdict On '107 Overs' Test

Former Indian cricket team opener Virender Sehwag gave his trademark witty verdict on India's win over South Africa in the second Test match in Cape Town that lasted for just 107 overs. It was the shortest Test match in the history of the sport and the visitors emerged victorious in a little more than four sessions of play. While no much was spoken about the pitch at Newlands, Ravi Shastri and Shaun Pollock did point out that it was not fit for Test cricket. Sehwag referred to earlier instances when Indian pitches have come under the scanner due to short Test matches and put his own unique spin on the conversation.

Watch: Virat Kohli's 'Bhangra' And 'Boxing' Poses After South Africa Test Win Go Viral

The second Test between India and South Africa turned out to be a memorable affair for all the cricket fans. From Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah's six-wicket hauls to India's historic seven-wicket win, this match broke several records. South Africa got bundled out for 176 in the second innings and gave a 79-run target to India, which they eventually chased down in 12 overs. Completed in only one and a half days, it also became the shortest Test match (642 ball) in the history of cricket.

South Africa Coach's Bold "More Luck Than Skill" Remark As India Win 2nd Test In 1.5 Days

South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad Thursday termed the Newlands surface on which the shortest Test match in the history of the game was played as "not great" and where sheer luck trumped pure skill. India beat South Africa by seven wickets in a match that was played for just 106.2 overs and ended in a day and a little over one session. "I don't know what people want me to say. You only need to look at the scores. 1.5-day Test match! You need to look at how they chased 80 (79). Sad state when you need more luck than skill. All the ethics and values of Test cricket goes out the window," Conrad, a former Western Province cricketer, lashed out after the series ended in a 1-1 stalemate.

Watch: "Dimag Laga Rahe...", Rohit Sharma's Reply To T20I Future Question Leaves Reporters In Splits

India captain Rohit Sharma was at his best once again as he addressed the media after the team's memorable victory against South Africa in Cape Town. Rohit blasted the ICC match referees, and took on critics who often criticsise the Indian wickets when games conclude early. After the Cape Town Test ended within the first two days, Rohit didn't hesitate in calling out the match referees, asking them to be more neutral. In the presser, Rohit didn't just silence Indian wickets' critics but also stumped a reporter who tried to ask him about his T20I future, keeping the forthcoming series against Afghanistan in mind.

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Watch: Rohit Sharma's Animated Reaction After Taking Aiden Markram's Catch In Second Test vs South Africa

"What If 20 Wickets Fell On Day 1 In India?": Indian Star's Swipe At 'Pitch Critics'

Shreyas Iyer's Short Ball Problems Remain A Worry

"When Overseas Cricketers Come To India...": Irfan Pathan Fires Salvo, Settles 'Pitch Talk'

"Aap Karo Toh Chamatkar...": Virender Sehwag's Sharp Verdict On '107 Overs' Test

Watch: Virat Kohli's 'Bhangra' And 'Boxing' Poses After South Africa Test Win Go Viral

South Africa Coach's Bold "More Luck Than Skill" Remark As India Win 2nd Test In 1.5 Days

Watch: "Dimag Laga Rahe...", Rohit Sharma's Reply To T20I Future Question Leaves Reporters In Splits