MUMBAI: Former Indian cricketer Atul Wassan on Saturday said that South Africa are a strong side, but added that they don’t have world–class spinners that eventually led to their huge 108-run defeat against the hosts in the first Test of the four-match series at Mohali.
“South Africa are a very strong team. But I had no doubt about Test. They don’t have world-class spinners and Imran Tahir is not in class of Ravichandran Ashwin,” Wassan told ANI here.
The former player said that everything went well for India and the visitors might be in some pressure from now.
“Test win is a Test win. There is no doubt about it. But ,there is little embarrassment if the match comes to end within three days. I think everything went well for Virat Kohli, who won his first Test at home as skipper. Now South Africa have some pressure as Morkel and Dale Steyn are injured,”
Wassan further said that all-rounder Ravendra Jadeja and off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin played a big role in India’s win.
“Ashwin and Ravendra Jadeja has made it easy. Jadeja has high grasp over these kind of pitches. I think they have made a great comeback. Now its time for them to play more mature . They have contributed in batting as well,” Wassan said.
Earlier, Chasing 218 on a difficult track, the South Africans failed to counter the Indian spinners, as both Jadeja and Ashwin bundled them out for 109 in their second innings in less than 40 overs. Stiaan van Zyl was the lone batsman to provide some resistance by scoring 36.
Jadeja was also adjudged `Man of the Match` for his five-wicket haul in South Africa's second innings to add to his three in their first innings. He also made a vital 38 in India's first innings
Ashwin claimed eight wickets overall, including three in the second innings, while Amit Mishra provided able support by dismissing a dangerous AB de Villiers for the second time in the match.
With this win, India have taken a 1-0 lead in the four-match series and will next take on South Africa in the second Test at Bangalore from November 14.