Durban: Though India lost the second Test match and the series to South Africa, Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni said that he was quite happy with the performance of his young brigade.
Dhoni said that a bad start, coupled with some bad decisions and a couple of bad shots by his players cost India the match. "The first session was crucial. We didn't start well. To it, a couple of bad decisions, tough decisions and a couple of bad shots didn't help our cause,” said Dhoni, adding that he was very happy with Team India's performance.
“Overall, only a few of the top order had played more than five Tests outside the subcontinent. It must have been a great experience for them to play the toughest side. I'm very happy with the performance, especially of the bowlers. Without the luxury of an all-rounder, they bowled to the plan that they had. They must have learned a lot out of these two games. Test cricket is about all five days, you may play one bad session and that will have an impact on the game itself,” added Dhoni.
In full praise for Jacques Kallis, Dhoni said that he been a fantastic cricketer. “He doesn't talk much. Not just the runs he scored or the wickets he took, even the catches he took, he gave South Africa the luxury of playing an extra batsman. Youngsters will look up to him," added Dhoni.
Meanwhile, South African captain Graeme Smith said that it was an incredible win for them. “Considering the weather and that they were 180 for one on the first day, it was a good win. India were one of the teams we haven't beaten in a while. At Wanderers we were behind the game for 90% of the time. So it was great to see Dale bowling like that this morning and Peterson taking four wickets today,” said Smith.
Talking about Kallis, Smith said he is an outstanding human being. "He'll play a lot of golf now I know. We have enjoyed time in many, many dressing rooms. He's an outstanding human being. It's been a privilege to get to know him as a person.”
