Today is the first day of the second Test in Guwahati. South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first.
But India’s two superstar bowlers, Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav, tightened their grip, eventually losing 6 wickets for 247 runs.
The match is being held at the new ACA Stadium, where Test cricket is being played for the first time. The morning weather was pleasant, with some sunshine, but poor light later forced an early end to the game.
They wanted to play aggressively. Initially, their openers, Aiden Markram and Ryan Ricky Ponting, put on a superb partnership, adding over 50 runs without much fuss.
Bumrah tried to dismiss Markram, but KL Rahul dropped the catch.
The ball shaped outside off, but the opportunity was lost. Still, India maintained the pressure. Mohammed Siraj also bowled well, but Kuldeep did the real work.
Bumrah-Kuldeep duo breaks South Africa’s back
Just before the tea break, Bumrah dismissed Markram, a delivery that hit the stumps. Kuldeep then trapped Ricky Ponting with a spin, who was caught while playing a drive. Rishabh Pant took the catch.
Tristan Stubbs and Bavuma then held their nerve, but Ravindra Jadeja had Bavuma chipped to mid-on. Stubbs was dismissed for 49, Kuldeep’s wicket. Kuldeep took three wickets in the final session, finishing with 3/48.
Bumrah also applied pressure. Washington Sundar also played a good role, his off-breaks troubling the batsmen.
Now, just before stumps, Siraj dismissed Tony de Giorgi. De Zorzi made 28 runs but was caught by Pant off an outswinger. South Africa’s non-stoppers Senuran Muthusamy remained unbeaten on 25* and Kyle Verreynne on 1*.
It was a good day for India, as they have a chance to level the series after losing the Kolkata Test. Pant is captaining, with Shubman Gill out due to injury.
There are still four wickets remaining and the new ball has been provided. India will look to take quick wickets tomorrow morning to restrict South Africa to around 300.
