South Africa v India: The Freedom Series Preview
1996 – Tendulkar’s off stump sent cart-wheeling by Allan Donald. 100 in the first innings in Durban, 66 in the second innings. Magic from Sachin and Azhar at Cape Town, ended only by a magical catch by Adam Bacher. Rahul Dravid’s maiden test ton at Johannesburg. The test series won by South Africa 2-0 after rain and bad light frustrated India’s hopes in Johannesburg. Donald swearing at Dravid and Tendulkar while they cart him around in the ODI tri-series final.
2001- Sehwag’s hundred on test debut. Charges of ball-tampering by Tendulkar and an unofficial test match.
2006- Sreesanth’s magical spell at Jo’burg. 2-1 to South Africa.
2011 – Tendulkar (146) v Steyn (5/75). Spell-binding cricket. Series drawn 1-1.
2013 – A near world record chase of 458 at Jo’burg. A six wicket haul by Steyn and a farewell hundred by Kallis helps the Saffers take the series 1-0.
After what felt like a million meaningless cricket matches against Sri Lanka, India has reached South Africa. And if you are feeling a mixture of dread and excitement, you are not alone. The first test of the Freedom Series begins at Newlands in Cape Town tomorrow – finally some competitive cricket! Read More