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India restored some credibility to their high Test ranking by winning the third Test at the minefield in Kanpur.
Right through the three-Test encounter, South Africa always played the better cricket. It was unfortunate that they adopted a defensive attitude in the decisive second innings at Kanpur.
A little more enterprise probably would have helped them win the series rather than square it. Still, South Africa can be proud of their performance in India.
They showed that spin bowling does not have as much fear for them as in the past. The batmen, particularly, Neil McKenzie and Hashim Amla negotiated the spin well, often playing off the back foot to delay their shots.
Both batsmen enhanced their reputation on the tour. McKenzie's comeback has been excellent and he and Smith are giving solidity to the opening slot. Amla has begun to get consistent at the crucial number three spot, which augurs well for the future.
The credit for South Africa's performances must go to their fast bowlers. Dale Steyn, Makhaya Ntini and Morne Morkel produced great spells to keep their team in the hunt. Dismissing India for just 76 in the first innings of the second Test was achieved with one of the best spells of sustained fast bowling.
India showed good commitment to come back hard at the South Africans after the second Test disaster. The batsmen, lead by Saurav Ganguly, showed resilience and good technique.
Ganguly played one of his best knocks ever. The way he coped on the nasty Kanpur wicket was a treat to watch. He showed that aggressiveness is important, even on such wickets.
The left-hander, since his comeback, has proved his class consistently. It is surprising that such an aggressive player can't find a place in the Indian one-day squad. He would walk into any other team on the sheer weight of his record in that form alone.
The allegations that India were distracted by the fanfare of the Indian Premier League may be correct after their poor start to the series.
The bowling seemed to be ragged with the exception of Harbhajan Singh. The fielding was totally sub-standard and would even make a schoolboy blush.
Virender Sehwag achieved a milestone by joining a rare club of Test cricketers who have gone past the 300 mark twice. Sehwag has to be admired for the way he played. He went after the bowling fearlessly and rarely gave a chance.
It is hoped that the selectors now realise that Sehwag is one of the finest players in world cricket and must be treated with respect. He will fail occasionally due his aggressive nature but he compensates it with some brilliant knocks.
Harbhajan had a good series after a long time. He can be an even better bowler if he uses his head more often.
India will be thankful that the series was salvaged somehow. But such performances will not keep them at the top for long.
Cricket is serious business. And winning means lots of hard work and dedication.
