 "Spin icon backs India even as South Africa post 247/6 on Day 1 of Guwahati Test: ‘Should be fairly satisfied’")
Legendary spinner Anil Kumble believes India are ahead in the second Test after South Africa reached 247/6 on the opening day of what is the first ever Test match taking place at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati.
Just four balls before the stumps, Mohammed Siraj struck with the second new ball to break a 45-run partnership for the sixth wicket between Tony de Zorzi and Senuran Muthusamy. India thus ended the day on a high before poor light forced early stumps in Guwahati.
India can feel positive says Kumble
Despite South Africa closing in on the 250-run mark, Kumble thinks India would be satisfied with their bowling performance.
“On a challenging pitch like this, it hasn’t been easy to score runs, and India did not offer any loose deliveries. This disciplined bowling gave India a genuine chance to claim those wickets,” Kumble said at the post-day show of JioStar. “Overall, India should be fairly satisfied with their performance today.”
India struck at regular intervals to ensure that even as South Africa batters got starts, none of them could score even a half-century.
“While 247 runs for six wickets is a decent score for South Africa on day one, India can feel positive about the job they’ve done so far,” he added.
Steyn thinks South Africa will be ‘relatively pleased’
Former South Africa pacer Dale Steyn thought the Proteas will be pleased with how the day panned out despite the disappointment of late wickets.
South Africa were 156 for two at the end of the second session but India bounced back well to take four more wickets in the final session.
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View All“I believe South Africa will be relatively pleased with their position, although they’ll be a bit disappointed about losing two wickets towards the end of the day. The new ball came into play and India were able to break a key partnership of around 40 runs. Had South Africa lost three or four wickets instead, they would have been very happy,” Steyn said.
Kuldeep Yadav was the pick of the bowlers on Day 1 as he took three wickets. Steyn praised Indian bowlers for their discipline.
“Unlike the Kolkata pitch, where wickets fell frequently, this Guwahati wicket demands patience and consistent pressure. India bowled with discipline, maintaining good lines and lengths,” the fast bowling legend said.
South Africa are 1-0 up in the series thanks to their win in the first Test in Kolkata.
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