South Africa used a proxy captain in Temba Bavuma for the 3rd Test in Ranchi on Saturday to reverse their fortunes at tosses but the move did not work as the top-order batsman did not call it right. The failed experiment meant South Africa lost their 10th successive toss in Asia.
South Africa were unlucky with the tosses in the 1st 2 Test matches which they ended up losing by huge margins. India now have won all the 3 tosses in the series and have batted 1st every time. Notably, Faf du Plessis has lost 7 successive tosses away from home in Test matches.
Graeme Smith slams South Africa's mindset
South Africa's most successful Test captain, Graeme Smith said he did not like what he saw at the toss from South Africa and said it reflected the mindset of the visitors who have been struggling to get going in the ongoing series.
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"It was a quirky moment but for me it was a little bit pathetic," Graeme Smith told Star Sports.
"It just shows the mindset of the South African side. I didn't enjoy seeing that. I would rather see the South Africa captain stand there, own his position.
"You know, they are looking at the wrong places for the reasons they have lost the game. Unfortunately, they haven't played well enough. Yes, winning the toss in the sub-continent is a nice thing to do but if you play well enough, you can still compete."