Ind vs SA: Faf Du Plessis' bowling changes baffle Laxman and Smith

South Africa added an extra pacer in ir bowling arsenal for second Test against India in Pune after suffering a 203-run defeat in Vizag. way in which Proteas captain Faf Du Plessis used his bowlers in second Test match – which is currently being played in Pune – was heavily criticised by former Indian batsman VVS Laxman and his counterpart Graeme Smith.

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Kagiso Rabada was best bowler for visitors on Day 1 as he scalped wickets of top 3 Indian batsmen. It included prized scalps of both centurions from first Test Rohit Sharma and Mayank Agarwal. Experts felt that he should have been introduced into attack a lot earlier than he was.  Proteas' captain's decision of t giving Rabada ball ball for majority of second session was baffling. When he was finally introduced, he got rid of Cheteshwar Pujara immediately. 

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Comments of Laxman and Smith

“Faf always comes across as a very intelligent and clever cricketer. Since Vizag Test, he has been disappointing as captain,” Laxman said in post-match analysis. “Your main bowler who did well and took wickets in first session, you would want to give him ball straightaway after lunch. I think he got ball just half an hour before tea break. Laxman added, “Ultimately he bowled 18 overs and those 18 overs should have been bowled in situations when batsmen aren’t set. Even n, he took wickets of Pujara and Agarwal. This shows re was a big tactical blunder from Faf du Plessis.”

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In post-match analysis, former Proteas captain commented, “In general, I thought South Africa was quite negative today. Rabada I think bowled just three overs in Lunch to Tea session. All of us were pulling our hair out that guy, who is in-form and getting something going, is t bowling eugh.”

India were 281 for 3 at end of first day's play. Agarwal scored a century while Rabada was pick of bowlers. South Africa would look to wrap Indian innings quickly to ensure that y stay in  contest.

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