In a gripping encounter at Eden Gardens, South Africa found themselves in dire straits at the end of Day 2 of the first Test against India, registered at just 93 runs for the loss of seven wickets. The match took a dramatic turn as India’s spinners showcased their dominance, with Ravindra Jadeja’s exceptional performance being the highlight. Jadeja ended the day with four wickets, demonstrating his prowess on a pitch that offered ample turn, further solidifying his reputation as a formidable spinner in home conditions.
The day’s play witnessed a total of 15 wickets falling, with the South African batting order crumbling under pressure after Tea. Initially, they had shown some steadiness at 18/1, but the latter session collapsed spectacularly, losing six wickets for only 75 runs. This collapse was marked by a series of dismissals, including Aiden Markram for just four runs and Wiaan Mulder for 11, as Jadeja wreaked havoc on the opposition batting lineup.
India’s spin attack, which included Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel, proved lethal. Yadav managed to take two wickets, while Patel contributed with another, thus maintaining relentless pressure on the visiting team. After reaching figures of 4/29, Jadeja notched up a remarkable career milestone. He became only the second player, following Stuart Broad, to achieve over 2,000 runs and 250 wickets in a single country. His performance has also placed him among the elite ranks of Indian bowlers with 250 wickets at home.
On the batting side, South Africa stumbled after winning the toss and opting to bat first. Despite a promising start from the openers, who forged a half-century partnership, the batting unit faltered against India’s pace attack led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. The Proteas were dismissed for just 159 runs in their first innings, leaving the Indian team with a slender first-innings lead.
As play wrapped up on Day 2, South Africa managed to remain marginally ahead with a lead of 63 runs. With Temba Bavuma and Corbin Bosch remaining unbeaten at stumps, the Proteas will be looking to stabilize their innings on Day 3 to keep the contest competitive.
Brief scores: South Africa 159 & 93/7 (Temba Bavuma 29*, Marco Jansen 13; Ravindra Jadeja 4/29) vs India 189/9 (KL Rahul 39, Washington Sundar 29, Simon Harmer 4/30).