KOLKATA, India – In a thrilling first Test match between India and South Africa at Eden Gardens, India seized control on the second day, with a total of 15 wickets falling. The day was dominated by spin bowling, and India capitalized by dismissing the majority of South Africa's batting lineup in the second innings.
After India were bowled out for 189 in their first innings, they managed to take a slender lead of 30 runs. South Africa had previously scored 159 runs in their first innings, with Jasprit Bumrah claiming an impressive 5-27. By the end of the second day, South Africa led by 63 runs, navigating a surface proving unpredictable.
Axar Patel played a crucial role in India's strategy, opening the attack with spin from one end. Reflecting on the conditions and what India needed to do to win, Patel emphasized the importance of restricting South Africa's score. "Playing attacking cricket is the only option as a batter," Axar Patel said. "We can't have a defensive mindset because you are never in. So we have to convert the loose balls. Patience is key on this surface. If we can keep them below 125, it should be chaseable tomorrow".
Ravindra Jadeja also made a significant impact, claiming 4-29 as South Africa slumped to 93-7. Jadeja's disciplined bowling was instrumental in dismantling the South African batting order, while Kuldeep Yadav also contributed with a key wicket.
Earlier in the day, Simon Harmer, South Africa's off-spinner, took 4-30, contributing to India's low first innings score. Jansen also took 3-35. Lokesh Rahul and Washington Sundar had managed to hold off the South African attack for the first hour, adding 38 runs. Dhruv Jurel was the first to fall in the second session, with Jadeja crossing 4,000 test runs. Axar Patel put up some resistance with 16 runs.
The match is finely poised as it enters Day 3, with India needing to bowl well and then chase down the target. Patel's assessment of keeping South Africa under 125 underscores the importance of a strong bowling performance.
Brief scores:
South Africa: 154/8 in 52 overs (Aiden Markram 31, Ryan Rickelton 23; Jasprit Bumrah 3-23, Kuldeep Yadav 2-36)
