It was a close shave for the Indians, when they managed to win the first one-dayer by a run, at Jaipur.
A win is a win but here is where India have to learn to be ruthless so that the opposition does not get up after it is down. It's an old Indian habit of relaxing when the going is good and when an unexpected resistance is seen, there's a sudden realisation that things have got out of hand and amends are sought to be made. The champion teams do not allow the opponents a look-in once the door is shut and that is an attribute that helps to keep them at the top.
A worry
Any player can have a bad day, and that's a given in sport, but when a player continues to make the same error then it's a worry. It indicates a mind that is frozen and in a red hot contest that is not good enough for a team.
India's bowlers froze especially in the final few overs with the shining exception of Praveen Kumar. He is one of the unsung players in a team full of superstars who goes about his job and more often than not gets it done.
He is a street-smart cricketer who has earned his place by dint of hard work and though he may carry himself a bit differently in domestic cricket, at the international level he knows his place and his limitations and works to get the best out of himself. There is no drama with him and Indian cricket could do with more such players who do what they are selected for.
No playing to the gallery but just doing the job.
Third country umpires
The South Africans may well feel aggrieved that they got a couple of calls that could have made a difference to the eventual result. It once again underscores the absolute imperative of third country umpires officiating in Test matches.
Having one home umpire for the limited overs games is understandable, for it is one way of finding out how he copes under pressure.
But the ultimate is still Test cricket and for that it has to be third country umpires.
South Africa's loss off the final ball of the match did not help their efforts to rid themselves of the chokers tag but the Indians know that they got away from jail.
Professional Management Group
