India were outplayed by South Africa in every department, coach Greg Chappell said on Sunday, after his team suffered their second comprehensive defeat by South Africa in the MTN one-day international (ODI) series.
After a disastrous start, South Africa set India the daunting target of 275 for victory and then bowled the visitors out for 168 to win the third ODI at Newlands by 106 runs.
”We’re just not playing well enough,” said Chappell. ”We’ve got too many players out of form – that’s the biggest problem.
”I’m not sure of the solution – the players just have to work harder. They have to dig deep and find a way to turn things round.”
The South African captain, Graeme Smith, said South Africa had once again shown great character to come back and win, after a disastrous start that had South Africa reeling at 72 for six in the 20th over. South Africa were rescued by a maiden century by Justin Kemp, who, together with Andrew Hall, doubled South Africa’s score in the last 14 overs.
”We knew the pitch was going to do something at the start,” Smith said. ”It was a little bit damp in the first 20 overs, and we thought it might go round a bit. Two-twenty, 230, was the total we thought would be a good one. Two-seventy was something we never dreamt of.
”The incredible way Kempy [Justin Kemp] finished the innings showed how dominating he can be. It was terrific to see, and I think the character shown by the team was terrific.
”We knew the wicket would play slightly better in the second innings, and we needed to strike up front. Polly [Shaun Pollock] did that for us. He bowled superbly, in tandem with Makhaya [Ntini], and the way the boys fielded was great.”
Man of the match Kemp said he had not really been thinking about his score.
”We just wanted to make as many runs as we could,” he said. ”It was only when I was on 99 that I realised, ‘Jeepers, I’m this close.’ I had a bit of luck — I was dropped a couple of times, but Hally [Andrew Hall] came in and made it easy for me. He was so good, from ball one, and that made it easier.”
Kemp said he had no issues with his position in the batting line-up. ”I’m just happy to be able to contribute to the team effort,” he said. ”I’ve done it a couple of times for the team, and I think I am more confident because I’ve done it before.”
Smith refused to comment on an incident before the start of the match, when he was seen to remonstrate with the convener of selectors, Haroon Lorgat, after being told that Andrew Hall would replace Andre Nel in the side.
Nel was injured during practice on Saturday, but passed a fitness test on Sunday morning. However, Lorgat decided to go with Hall instead.
”I can’t comment on selection issues,” said Smith.
Cricket South Africa has said that the incident, in which Jacques Kallis and Proteas media manager Gordon Templeton had to intervene to calm Smith down, was an internal affair and would be dealt with as such.
The South African team for the last two ODIs — in Port Elizabeth on Wednesday and in Centurion on Sunday — will be announced on Monday afternoon. — Sapa