Former South African cricketer-turned-commentator Ackerman says Indian batsmen must play on front foot to succeed here
Former South African cricketer-turned-commentator Ackerman says Indian batsmen must play on front foot to succeed here
It wasn't a special day just for India debutant Jaidev Unadkat yesterday. Hylton Deon Ackerman, who played just four Tests for South Africa, also made his debut in the commentary box for the local broadcasters of the ongoing three-Test series.
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| Virender Sehwag is dejected after his dismissal for a duck at SuperSport Park yesterday. pic/Getty images |
"I am enjoying my first stint as a commentator; it is a very enjoyable job. I have the privilege of sharing my thoughts with the cricket-loving audience in such a good forum. Also, I get to share the stage with some of the greats," he told MiD DAY.
Speaking on the proceedings of the first day, Ackerman said: "Sehwag's dismissal was a trap; Graeme Smith always has a third-man in place for him. Also, Gambhir's dismissal was set up beautifully, as Morne Morkel banged the ball short repeatedly before pitching one up. In the case of Rahul Dravid, he would've got on to the front foot if this was the subcontinent. It was not remarkable bowling, just that South Africa were better prepared."
"Sehwag needs to change his approach if he needs to succeed in South Africa. It is important to get a feel of the conditions," Ackerman added.
The 37-year old recalled Sachin Tendulkar's blistering century at Newlands, Cape Town during India'su00a0 1996-97 tour, and hailed it as one of the best knocks in the country: "Tendulkar's record here is not the greatest, but I clearly remember his century at Newlands. It was easily one of the best knocks I have ever seen in my life.
India's batting-order is outstanding, but need to play a lot more on the front foot if they want to succeed. This bowling attack of Dale Steyn and Morkel is the best we have since Allan Donald and Shaun Pollock," he concluded.
