Kolkata, India – South Africa's Simon Harmer has taken a swipe at the Indian media following the Proteas' unexpected victory over India in the first Test match at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The off-spinner, who played a crucial role in the win with an impressive eight-wicket haul, alluded to the premature dismissal of his team's chances by the Indian media after the second day's play.
Harmer recalled the sentiment that had permeated discussions, stating, "It was a foregone conclusion. The Indian media said this game was done and dusted". He made these remarks on 'talkSPORTCricket'. Despite the apparent odds, Harmer emphasized the unwavering belief within the South African camp. He credited captain Temba Bavuma's solid game plan and the collective effort of the entire team for the turnaround.
South Africa's victory was hard-earned. After being bowled out for 159 in their first innings and conceding a 30-run lead to India, they fought back to score 153 in their second innings. This set India a target of 124, which the hosts failed to chase down, getting bowled out for just 93. Harmer's exceptional bowling performance in both innings played a pivotal role in dismantling the Indian batting lineup.
Harmer reflected on the team's mindset after a disappointing Day 2, stating, "The chat at the end of day two was a chip and a chair. If you've got a chip and chair at the table, you've got a chance". He noted the significance of the win for players who had frequently been on the losing side in India.
Harmer also revealed a turning point in his career: a trip to Mumbai in 2016 where he worked with coach Umesh Patwal. According to Harmer, Patwal challenged everything he thought he knew about spin bowling, leading to a significant evolution in his skills.
The Kolkata pitch has sparked debate, with some suggesting it was under-prepared and excessively bowler-friendly. Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh criticized such surfaces, arguing that they hinder the development of genuine cricketing talent. He lamented the focus on winning at the expense of nurturing players' skills, stating that such pitches don't allow batsmen to be sure how to score runs. Gautam Gambhir, India's head coach, acknowledged that the pitch was precisely what the team management had requested, attributing the loss to the batsmen's failure to adapt.
Adding to the discussion, Australian coach Jason Gillespie advocated for curators to have the freedom to prepare the best possible surfaces without pressure from home teams seeking advantageous conditions.
Shubman Gill faced a neck spasm early in the test. He retired hurt after three balls in the first innings and was later hospitalized, missing the remainder of the match.
With this victory, South Africa secured a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series. The second Test will be held in Guwahati starting November 22.
