The second Test between India and South Africa saw a dramatic day of twists and turns in Cape Town, leaving both teams with plenty to ponder as the sun set on Day One.
On an unpredictable first day in Cape Town, as many as 23 wickets fell, including an unprecedented collapse of 6 for 0. It was the first time a side had lost sevan wickets into 0 runs in the 2522 Tests. In the afternoon session, India set an unwelcome record when they responded to South Africa’s 55 all out by going from 153 for 4 to 153 all out in 11 balls.
Even with that collapse, India led the way on a pitch at Newlands that offered lots of seam movement and inconsistent bounce throughout day. The batsmen found it incredibly tough to bat, especially when the bowlers forced them to play a shot, as even the old ball misbehaved off the pitch. In the Test cricket this century, a day’s worth of wickets has only fallen once.
Young Kumar Shines, Bumrah Provides Support:
India’s bowling assault, led by rookie Mukesh Kumar and star bowler Mohammad Siraj, caused early problems for the South African batting. In a single session, Siraj’s new-ball spell of 9-3-15-6 dismissed South Africa for 55, the lowest score ever against India in Test cricket.
Mukesh Kumar, with his nagging line and length, picked up the prized wickets of Elgar and Petersen in the second innings of the match. It leaves South Africa reeling at 32 for 2. Jasprit Bumrah, the experienced spearhead, chipped in with the wicket of Bavuma, keeping the pressure on the home team.
Langi Nagidi and Burger Rescues South Africa:
Just when India seemed to be taking control, veteran Langi Nagidi and Burger steadied the South African ship in 1st innings of Indian batting. They took 3 -3 wickets to Stop the Indian team at 153. In the second innings Adein Markram is playing a good innings of 36 runs not out. However, it was Markram who took center stage, showcasing his class with a fluent 36 not out. He didn’t find good support from the other end. But his struggle makes South Africa to 62 for 3 at stumps, and 36 runs behind India’s first innings total.
Indian Batting Collapses in Stunning Fashion:
Earlier in the day, India had looked set for a much larger lead after reaching 110 for 4. Rohit Sharma (39) and Shubman Gill (36) and Virat Kohli (56) played solid knocks and good start to innings. But the rest of the Indian batting failed to contribute significantly to the team.
In there 7 wickets collapse including middle order and bowlers a never-before-seen in 0 score.
Day Two Promises Tense Battle:
Day Two looks to be another exciting match, with South Africa’s skilled batting lineup still very much in the hunt and India holding a precarious lead. It will be a battle for momentum, and whichever team maintains composure could go a long way towards winning this important Test match.
Some News Updates:
- Mukesh Kumar takes 2 wickets on Test debut, Jasprit Bumrah adds 1 for India in second innings.
- Markram scores 36* to steady South Africa after early wickets.
- India collapses from 110 for 4 to 153 all out, losing the last 7 wickets for 0 runs.
- South Africa end Day One at 62 for 3, trailing by 36 runs.
