Legendary South African cricketer Shaun Pollock has pinpointed out the reason why the Indian team has been having so much success in Test cricket over the last 2-3 years. From the tour of Australia last year to the tour of England earlier this year, the Virat Kohli-led side has proved time and again that they are capable of dominating any Test side in the world.
And on December 30th, India defeated South Africa in their own fortress in the first Test in Centurion by 113 runs and go 1-0 up in the three-Test series.
Following India's win in the first Test, former South Africa skipper Shaun Pollock has revealed "the key" factor behind their recent success. According to him, the current India team has that "third or fourth" bowling option, liberty that other touring teams in the past didn't have.
"The key to this team is that we've often seen sides come here to South Africa but they haven't had the third or fourth (fast) bowling option. They might take the initial breakthrough but the backup seamers weren't maybe able to do the job. The spinners are obviously ineffective," Pollock told Dinesh Karthik during an interaction on Cricbuzz.
Pollock further opined that India had always had a great batting line up, but now with two extra very good pace bowlers, the team is tasting success in Test cricket everywhere.
"The balance in the bowling department is as good as we've seen in this country. That's why you guys have had the success; you can get those wickets and balance is the reason why you guys are going well," he added.
India will now look to seal their maiden Test series win in South Africa with a win in the second Test, which will be played at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg from January 3.