The South Africans surprised all cricket devotees after defeating India in the three-match Test series 2-1. For a relatively inexperienced side, it was indeed a historic win as they came back from 0-1 down against the number one Test team in the world.
One man who played a crucial role behind South Africa’s incredible effort was the top-order batter, Keegan Petersen. He displayed high-quality batting technique and came on top against a top-of-the-line bowling attack.
Petersen’s brilliant posture and method of play, mixed with outstanding patience and determination, enabled him to impress one and all, including former India head coach Ravi Shastri, who said that Petersen reminded him of Indian legend Gundappa Vishwanath.
Petersen finished the series as the leading run-scorer with 276 runs in six innings, including match-winning half-centuries in both essays in the series decider at Cape Town. No wonder he was adjudged ‘Player of the Match’ and the ‘Player of the Series’.
The 28-year-old heaped praises on Indian bowlers, stating the tourists’ bowling line-up was the most challenging attack he has ever come across in his cricket career so far. Petersen mentioned he still can’t explain what it feels to win the series against a tough opponent like India.
“It hasn’t completely sunk in yet. I still can’t explain how it feels completely despite it being two days already. Myself, my family and everyone close to us are still trying to get over it somehow. It was a challenging series against one of the best bowling attacks in the world,” said Petersen as quoted by Cricket South Africa‘s official website.
“It was by far the most challenging bowling I have come across in my career, whether it’s been in first-class cricket or any form of cricket. It hasn’t been an easy introduction for me to international cricket, but I honestly wouldn’t have it any other way. My journey’s unique, and it’s my story to tell as well,” he added.
