Do modern-day batters have the defence and patience needed in Test cricket?

IN THE wake of the low-scoring contest in the first Test match between India and South Africa at Eden Gardens in Kolkata last week, questions have been posed about the modern-day batters’ techniques.

- ONGAMA GCWABE

If there ever were conditions that would test a batter’s technique, it is the subcontinent conditions, and the Indian conditions in particular.

From the very first day of the first Test in Kolkata last week, it was clear that spin would play a massive role as India spinner Axar Patel was brought on to bowl inside the opening eight overs of the Test.

There was also a variable bounce in the wicket, making it very difficult for the batters to trust the bounce, particularly against the fast bowlers.

The combination of spin and variable bounce made the batters’ lives very difficult.

As a result, despite South Africa registering a historic victory in India, their first Test victory in 15 years in India, neither of the two teams passed the 200-run mark during the first Test, with the highest total being India’s 189 in the |first innings.