With the opening day of India’s 1st Test against South Africa featuring Indian batters struggling against the pace and swing of Protea pacers on a tricky pitch at the SuperSports Park in Centurion, Indian fans expected a similar show when Indian bowlers took the pitch.
However, that didn’t turn out to be the case as Indian pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohd Siraj couldn’t take full control of the proceedings on Day 2 and limit the South Africans to a lower total.
Opener Dean Elgar cruised through the Indian bowlers including Test veteran Ravichandran Ashwin who wasn’t able to bring his skillset onto the field. Elgar’s unbetaen 140 helped South Africa to 256/5 at the end of day’s play.
South Africa 256/5 on Day 2 Stumps.
Proteas with the lead of 11 runs – an ordinary day for team India, South Africa cashed in on the opportunities. A really important session 1 tomorrow for India. pic.twitter.com/JnFC4PVZZf
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 27, 2023
Despite of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohd Siraj picking up two scalps each on the day, there was still a Mohd Shami shaped gap in the bowling attack which could have helped in piercing through the South African top order with much more efficiency.
With South Africa seeking to get a healthy lead on Day 3, the onus will be on Jasprit Bumrah and co. to get the rest of the 5 wickets as soon as possible in order to save India the blemishes going forward in the Test.
The fact that India have never won a Test series on South African soil only adds to the pressure for the visitors who need to bring their attacking intent into the innings on the next day.
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