SA vs IND 2018,1st Test: Kagiso Rabada, Cheteshwar Pujara Hint More Bouncer Barrage on the Cards

The bouncer barrage has been one of the most-talked-about topics in the cricketing fraternity in recent times with Australia giving England a hard time in the ongoing Ashes Down Under.

Australia had used the ploy to get rid of England’s lower-order quickly by peppering them with the short-ball, and so far they have been more or less spot-on with their strategy.

A similar strategy has been used by both South Africa and India in the ongoing first Test in Cape Town. It was India who started it first, giving South Africa’s tail-enders a bout of chin music. As expected, the Proteas bowlers also returned the favour when they got the chance.

As soon as India’s tail came out to bat on the second day, Morne Morkel and Kagiso Rabada went around the wicket with fielders stationed at gully, a fine leg and a sweeper in front of square.

Not surprisingly, the ploy of using the short ball against the tail-enders was discussed at length when players from the sides attended the post-day press conference. However, both of them went on to justify the strategy.

Kagiso Rabada made it clear they would continue using the short balls against the tail-enders who are ‘not good at short-ball’.

“Ya, I think the golden days are gone where there were fast bowlers’ truce,” he said. “I don’t know if it would be introduced again. But obviously tail-enders (are) not good at short ball and it is a just a tactic to get them out. Sometimes, there could be a blood for you, but it is just a tactic. Well, you have to expect it and go out and face the music, and you are gonna dish it out.”

On the other hand, Cheteshwar Pujara said players should not complain about the short balls at international level.

“I think if you are playing at the international level, nowadays the tail-enders should be ready to expect bouncers. I think there are no complaints if it is any team. I wouldn’t say that fast bowlers shouldn’t be bowling bouncers to tail-enders. I think if you are playing at international level you need to expect bouncers and prepare for it.

“I wouldn’t say technically they are very much in the game. That’s why they are tail-enders. If they were good, technically they might be batting up the order. But somehow they need to find a way to play bouncers,” said Pujara at the end of second day’s play.

Here is the news feed:

SA v India 2018: Dale Steyn Ruled Out Of India Test Series

SA vs IND 2018: Hardik Pandya Keeps India in Hunt on Day Two at Newlands

Catch India’s tour to South Africa here.

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