When were India last forced to follow on in a Test at home?
The Indian cricket team is facing a daunting task in the ongoing Guwahati Test against South Africa. After being reduced to 122/7 in response to South Africa’s 489, India are staring at the possibility of being forced to follow-on. This has raised questions about the last time India were in a similar situation at home. The answer to this question takes us back to 2010, when India were forced to follow-on in a Test match against South Africa in Nagpur.
The Nagpur Test, which was played from February 6 to 9, 2010, was a part of the two-match Test series between India and South Africa. The visitors, led by Graeme Smith, dominated the match from the outset, piling up 558/6d in their first innings. The Indian team, led by MS Dhoni, struggled to cope with the South African bowling attack and were dismissed for 233 in their first innings. This meant that India were forced to follow-on, still trailing by 325 runs.
The Indian team’s second innings was no better, as they were bowled out for 319, losing the match by an innings and six runs. The defeat was a significant setback for the Indian team, which had been performing well in the preceding months. The match was also notable for the impressive performance of the South African batsmen, particularly Hashim Amla, who scored a double century in the first innings.
The Nagpur Test was a rare instance of India being forced to follow-on at home. The Indian team has generally been strong at home, with a formidable record in Test matches played in India. However, the 2010 match against South Africa was an exception, and it highlighted the challenges that the Indian team can face when playing against top-quality opposition.
The current situation in the Guwahati Test is a reminder of the 2010 Nagpur Test. India are facing a significant deficit, and the possibility of being forced to follow-on is very real. The Indian team will need to bat exceptionally well to avoid this fate and stay in the match. The Guwahati Test is a crucial match for the Indian team, as it can help them level the series against South Africa.
The Indian team’s performance in the Guwahati Test will be closely watched by cricket fans in India and around the world. The team’s ability to cope with the pressure of being forced to follow-on will be a key factor in determining the outcome of the match. The Indian team has a strong record at home, but they will need to draw on all their experience and skill to avoid defeat in the Guwahati Test.
In conclusion, the last time India were forced to follow-on at home was in the Nagpur Test against South Africa in 2010. The Indian team will be hoping to avoid a similar fate in the Guwahati Test, but they will need to bat exceptionally well to stay in the match. The Guwahati Test is a crucial match for the Indian team, and their performance will be closely watched by cricket fans around the world.
The ongoing Guwahati Test is a reminder of the challenges that the Indian team can face when playing against top-quality opposition. The team’s ability to cope with pressure and perform under difficult conditions will be a key factor in determining the outcome of the match. The Indian team has a strong record at home, but they will need to draw on all their experience and skill to avoid defeat in the Guwahati Test.
As the Guwahati Test continues, cricket fans will be eagerly watching the proceedings to see how the Indian team responds to the challenge of being forced to follow-on. The match is a crucial one for the Indian team, and their performance will have a significant impact on the outcome of the series against South Africa. The Indian team will need to bat exceptionally well to stay in the match, and their ability to cope with pressure will be a key factor in determining the outcome of the match.
The Guwahati Test is a significant match for the Indian team, and their performance will be closely watched by cricket fans around the world. The team’s ability to perform under pressure and cope with difficult conditions will be a key factor in determining the outcome of the match. The Indian team has a strong record at home, but they will need to draw on all their experience and skill to avoid defeat in the Guwahati Test.
For the latest updates and live score of the match, you can visit: https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/south-africa-in-india-2025-26-1479563/india-vs-south-africa-2nd-test-1479572/live-cricket-score
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