INDIA FALL INTO OWN TRAP

The ghosts of the 3-0 whitewash against New Zealand last year resurfaced again at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Sunday as Indian batting capitulated on a pitch that has become the biggest talking point to hand South Africa their first Test win in India in 15 years.

- Haridev Pushparaj

The Shubman Gill-led side were beaten by a resolute South African outfit by 30 runs on the third day of the first Test on a pitch where both sides struggled with the bat and had only one half-century that came from South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma.

South African spinners scalped 13 wickets between them in the match with Simon Harmer leading the way returning match figures of 8/51 as India's strategy to again play on what was literally a 'rank turner' backfired yet again in devastating fashion.