Rishabh Pant told Washington Sundar “maarne de usko” on the stump mic. The next ball, Senuran Muthusamy launched it over long-on and later scored his first Test century!
New Delhi. On the second day of the second Test between India and South Africa in Guwahati, something happened that made the entire stadium laugh.
Stand-in captain Rishabh Pant, standing behind the wicket, said something to bowler Washington Sundar, and the batsman hit a six on the very next ball.
Pant’s plan backfired!
Senuran Muthusamy was batting in the 124th over. Marco Jansen was at the other end. Five balls of the over had been bowled. Before the last ball, Pant was clearly heard on the stump mic saying, “Let him hit it, friend.” Meaning, let the batsman play a big shot, he will be out.
Washington bowled a similar delivery, slightly full outside off stump. Muthusamy stepped forward and smashed it straight over long-on into the stands.
Six! Even Sanjay Manjrekar in the commentary box burst out laughing. Pant also held his head, smiling.
Muthusamy made a splash again
Muthusamy didn’t stop after that. He played slowly and steadily to reach his first Test century. He scored 109 runs off 206 balls, hitting 10 fours and two sixes. He became only the third South African to score a Test century in India while batting at number 7 or lower.
Marco Jansen also scored quickly and scored his fourth Test half-century. Together, they shared a 97-run partnership.
South Africa scored 489 runs in the first innings and took a strong step towards winning a Test series in India after 25 years.
Mohammed Siraj eventually dismissed Muthusamy, but it was too late. At the close of play, India had scored 9 runs without losing a wicket, still trailing by 480 runs.
The match will be a long one, and both teams will be putting in their best efforts.
