South Africa captain Graeme Smith praised his bowlers, in particular Makhaya Ntini, for the way they dominated India to secure an innings victory in the second test on Saturday.
Ntini took six wickets, including three for 44 runs in the second innings, as the Proteas bowled out India for 328 to win by an innings and 90 runs.
“Makhaya has been outstanding throughout this series,” a delighted Smith said.
“He produced a critical spell (in the first test) at Chennai when he got rid of Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar and got us back into the game.
“And, again here in the second Test, he got the all-important wicket at the start in both innings.
“He then came back on Sunday to get the key wicket of (Mahendra Singh) Dhoni when they were making a fight of things and he then finished off the match perfectly for us.”
South Africa’s tour of the subcontinent is the first since the retirement of renowned all-rounder Shaun Pollock, but Smith believes Ntini is a capable replacement to spearhead the attack.
“Now that Polly (Shaun Pollock) has retired, Makhaya has taken over the role of being the senior player and the leader of the attack,” Smith said.
“This has been particularly important as his fast bowling colleagues are far younger and less experienced than he is.
“Dale (Steyn, Ntini’s fellow opening bowler) has had a fabulous year so far but he needs the leadership that Makhaya is providing.”
Steyn took eight wickets in the match, including five for 23 in the first innings, allowing batsman AB de Villiers to score the first double-hundred by a South African against India.
“It was the perfect Test match,” a delighted Smith said.
“We were in control from the very first ball and the guys never let up for a moment. I am very proud of everybody. It was a true team effort.”
The final test begins at Kanpur on Friday, and a South Africa series win would leapfrog them above India and Sri Lanka to second in the ICC Test Rankings.
Cricket South Africa president Norman Arendse and CEO Gerald Majola praised the Proteas for their victory.
“Congratulations on an outstanding performance, which has captured the imagination and support of the entire nation,” said Arendse.
“South Africa is very proud of you all, and we will behind you as you take on the final hurdle in the third Test.”
Majola added: “On behalf of Cricket South Africa I would like to extend our congratulations to the captain, coach, management and the players on a magnificent victory against India to take the lead in this three-Test series.
“This must rank as one of the Proteas’ best victories away from home, particularly as it came on top of such a committed and courageous performance in the first Test.
“The positive and skilful cricket with bat, ball and in the field has been a revelation against a team that has just completed a successful tour of Australia.
“We look forward to the Proteas completing an unprecedented treble by winning the final Test and thus beating Pakistan, Bangladesh and India on their home turf over the past few months.”
