South Africa's Graeme Smith blames mistakes for India defeat |
|
Sunday April 13, 09:49 PM
|
|
|
By N.Ananthanarayanan
KANPUR, India (Reuters) - Mistakes in a tight game led to South Africa's eight-wicket defeat against India in the third and final test, skipper Graeme Smith said on Sunday.
South African hopes for an Asian treble were dashed after they were routed for 121 in the second innings on a crumbling pitch after conceding a vital 60-run first innings lead.
India eased to 64 for two in the fourth innings to claim the match with two days left and square the series.
South Africa crushed India by an innings and 90 runs on a green pitch in the second test, raising hopes they would add to their series wins in Pakistan and Bangladesh.
"When you are playing on a wicket like this, the margins are very small," Smith told reporters. "We let ourselves down slightly."
India dismissed South Africa for 265 on day one after the tourists had won a crucial toss but collapsed from 152 for one. India made 325 in reply following a 46-run last wicket stand.
"We were 30 runs short in the first innings, we lost our way with our batting," he said. "And also India getting a lead like that, those were the two big swinging points in the test match.
"We were also not as good with the ball as we had been in the series. We were a little bit too anxious to bowl India out."
The South African bowlers had routed India for 76 in the first innings of the second test to set up the big win.
"Today India proved that if you just got the ball in the right areas there is enough up there in the wicket for you."
South Africa won six series in a row before the India tour.
"From our point of view, we would obviously have loved to win the series, but we've played some terrific cricket so far in this season."
Smith was confident the experience of playing in the region would have toughened the younger players ahead of the tough test tours of England and Australia later this year.
|
More Cricket News
Udawatte and Dilshan shine for Sri LankaSri Lanka 257 for eight v West Indies - inningsSachin picks up bat, but Malinga doubtfulSourav watches from sidelines as Shukla overshadows starsBangalore matches rescheduledBrazil dream of Test cricket status, India may pitch inFew takers for tickets in MohaliOn Lucknow's streets, coach finds a rare catchPonting warms up, Dada skips net session‘Twenty20 will promote Test cricket’
