Eden Gardens hero Simon Harmer opened up on South Africa’s celebrations after beating India in the first Test at the iconic venue. The Proteas registered a 30-run win on the third day. Simon Harmer was the star of the show for the visitors, as he ended with game with figures of 8/51. He bagged four wickets each in both innings. South Africa were bowled out for 159 in the first innings. India managed a slender 30-run lead as they got to 189 in reply. In the second essay, the Proteas fought hard and got to 153, setting India a 124-run target. They then bundled the hosts out for just 93 runs in the final innings on day three. With this, they clinched their first win in the format in India after 15 years. As it was a special victory, Simon Harmer stated that the team celebrated with a few beers. “We’re in a nice hotel. Probably some golf tomorrow. We had a couple of beers last night. I think it’s important to celebrate wins, especially here in India, because you don’t know when they’re going to come around again. The senior group here appreciates winning Test match cricket. It’s quick turnaround so nice to have a couple of extra days off,” he said on ‘talkSPORTCricket’. However, he added that the Proteas would look to get back to the grind soon. He expressed being aware of the fact that India would look to come back hard after the loss. “We need to make sure we get back to the drawing board because the Indians are going to have some fire in their belly and want to turn around the results of the first Test.” The second Test will begin on Saturday, November 22, and will be played in Guwahati. South Africa will have a golden opportunity to register a series win in India. Simon Harmer on what to expect in Guwahati Test Simon Harmer opened up on what could possibly be the conditions on offer in Guwahati. Notably, India have not played at the venue before in the longest format. Therefore, Harmer reckoned that the hosts themselves would not be aware of what to expect. Nonetheless, he reflected that India would ensure the wicket assists them based on the team they would wish to select. “I think India has never played Test cricket at Guwahati so I’m sure they are unsure of exactly how it is going to go. I think they’re going to feel that having the best Test bowler in the world and him not having an impact on day three, they would want to get him more into the game, so is it going to be seamer-friendly? You don’t know what you’re going to get. They obviously want to win so they are going to make sure that the wicket suits whatever team they want to select,” he said. India will be desperate to avoid another series defeat at home. Being 0-1 down, the hosts will be under pressure to bounce back and draw level. Meanwhile, South Africa will aim to create history, having last won a Test series in India 25 years ago.
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