South Africa's Early Advantage as India Struggles on Day Two

Post by : Mara Rahim

On the second day of the inaugural Test between India and South Africa at Eden Gardens, the Indian team encountered significant challenges. By the lunch interval, they found themselves at 138-4, as South Africa claimed three vital wickets during the first session. Compounding India's woes, captain Shubman Gill had to retire hurt after a neck injury, exacerbating the difficulties presented by the increasingly tough pitch.

On the opening day, South Africa had been dismissed for 159 runs in their first innings, with Jasprit Bumrah showcasing his prowess by taking 5 wickets for just 27 runs. Despite this impressive bowling display, India struggled immensely against a demanding wicket on the second day.

The day commenced with K.L. Rahul and Washington Sundar at the crease, starting from a precarious position of 37-1. The pair approached their innings cautiously, adding 38 runs over 14 overs in the first hour of play. The pitch's hard surface initially allowed them to score at a moderate tempo, and by lunch, both Ravindra Jadeja, who remained on 11 not out, and Dhruv Jurel, on 5, were at the crease.

After the drinks break, South Africa staged a robust comeback. Sundar was the first to succumb, caught at slip by Simon Harmer after contributing 29 runs off 82 balls, including two boundaries and a six. Shortly afterward, Shubman Gill left the field after facing just three deliveries due to a neck issue sustained while executing a boundary.

India managed to reach the 100-run mark in the 38th over, but K.L. Rahul soon followed, dismissed at slip by Aiden Markram off Keshav Maharaj, having scored a modest 39 runs from 119 balls, inclusive of four boundaries and a six. Rishabh Pant, after surviving an early scare, went on to score 27 off 24 balls, smacking two sixes in a spirited innings.

South Africa has not celebrated a Test win in India for 15 years, making these initial wickets pivotal for their campaign. Maharaj took his inaugural wicket on Indian soil and nearly had another if not for Markram's miss on an early edge from Pant.

The second match of the series is set to commence on November 22 at Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati, marking the venue's debut as a host for a men’s Test, following its role in the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup. India recently secured a 2-0 victory against the West Indies, with left-arm wrist spinner Yadav claiming 12 wickets, whereas South Africa concluded a two-Test series against Pakistan in a draw.

With early promise, India’s hopes were dimmed by crucial wicket losses, notably that of their captain Shubman Gill. The mounting pressure from South Africa’s disciplined bowling and strategic field placements has placed India in a challenging position as the first Test progresses at Eden Gardens.