'It's got a lot to do with..': Manjrekar contemplates reason behind horrible collapse of Team India

Former India batsman, Sanjay Manjrekar, blamed the pitch and change in the way the batsmen approach the game, as the primary reason for India and South Africa's collapses in the second and final Test match of their series at the Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town.

3 things you need to know

• India bowled out South Africa at a meagre total of 55
• India in return got to a total of 153
• India lost 6 wickets for 0

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Sanjay Manjrekar's take on the collapse that ensued during Day 1 of 2nd Test

On Day 1 of the Cape Town Test, India collapsed from 153 for 4 to 153 all out after bowling South Africa out for 55 runs. The hosts then batted a second time on the opening day, finishing the day at 62 for 3.

Speaking to Star Sports, Manjrekar blamed the pitch and new-age batting for the collapses of India and South Africa on Day 1. South Africa ended the day, 36 runs behind India after initially trailing by 98 runs.

“I think it's got a lot to do with the pitch. It's got a bit to do with the new-age batting that's maybe not focusing on defence as much, understandably because Test cricket has been the third format when it comes to priority. So if there's a bit of life in the pitch, then these things happen. It was almost like the bowlers were wearing a cape in Cape Town,” said Manjrekar.

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Manjrekar showers praise on Indian pace battery

He went on to note that not all bowlers performed well, citing Mohammed Siraj and Mukesh Kumar for India and Kagiso Rabada for the Proteas. Siraj had his best Test stats yet, taking six wickets and allowing only 15 runs in nine overs.

“One of the interesting things is, 55 all out for South Africa but when you look at the bowling attack, Siraj bowled superbly and Mukesh Kumar supported him. So, two bowlers hit their straps. Even for South Africa, Rabada was good. When you see scores like this with collapses on both sides, you would think that all four bowlers were at the top of the game,” Manjrekar added.