Battering by India opens up old wounds for South Africa

As always, South Africa headed into the ongoing World Cup as favourites as well. But, like each time, they have run into a roadblock this time too, and for a change, very early in the tournament. South Africa went into the clash against India at Melbourne as favourites, having never lost to them in the World Cup. Also, on paper and under the conditions, they had a much superior combination compared to India. In spite of so much going South Africa's way, they still managed to find a way to be completely trampled by India. In the first match against Zimbabwe as well, they had some anxious moments, but the loss against India was a complete shocker, and would dent the side's confidence as their skipper AB de Villiers candidly admitted.

Although India had luck running their way as they won the toss, and got an opportunity to bat first, South Africa did their chances no good through some bizarre tactics. Even though India were off to an unsteady start having lost Rohit Sharma early to a brilliant run out by de Villiers early on, they did not apply enough pressure on Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli. Although the runs were hard to come by, India did not give away their wickets, and South Africa seemed content keeping the runs down. This can be concluded from the fact that both Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel bowled only four overs each in their opening spell at a time when South Africa should have gone from wickets.

South Africa's fielding, otherwise their strongest suit, also let them down in the game. Hashim Amla grassed a tough chance of Dhawan when the batsman had just crossed his fifty. The drop proved to be a match-defining one as Dhawan went on to complete a well-compiled hundred, and finished with a career best one-day score. Only a couple of deliveries after the Amla drop, JP Duminy had another chance to run out Dhawan at the non-striker's end, but he missed the target in spite of being extremely close to the stumps. These are aspects South Africa usually get right, and their failures to do so indicate that they were under extreme pressure.

Another aspect where the Proteas faltered during the match was their running between the wickets. This has been another of South Africa's traditional strong points, but they clearly underestimated the throwing arms of the Indian bowlers. It wouldn't be wrong to say that there was a hint of arrogance in their running. AB, one of the best between the wickets, took on Mohit Sharma, when there was clearly no second run it. Secondly, David Miller repeated the mistake de Villiers made. Like his skipper, he took on another fast bowler, Umesh Yadav's arm, and came second. Undoubtedly, India beat South Africa at their own game at Melbourne, and the Proteas could only watch the proceedings with shock.

The atmosphere at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) also seemed to have gotten to the South Africans. The majority of the supporters who turned out were Indians, making it look like a home game for India. South Africa visibly looked lost amidst the sea of blue. The role of crowd support is often underestimated in cricket. But, on Sunday, its made its presence felt for sure. The amount of support India had at Melbourne definitely seemed to have inspired them to glory. They batted and bowled with complete conviction, looking in control of the game throughout. South Africa, in total contrast, couldn't raise their game on the big day. As de Villiers rightly summed up, "we have no option but to lick our wounds."

--By A Cricket Analyst