Senuran Muthusamy refuses to pass verdict on Guwahati pitch after maiden Test century: 'Let's wait and see'

Senuran Muthusamy said that reaching his maiden international century was special but did not say whether the pitch was deteriorating or not in Guwahati in the second Test between India and South Africa.

Muthusamy scored 109 while Marco Jansen also added a quick 93 to power South Africa to massive first innings total of 489 with the Proteas playing 151.1 overs. At stumps, India had reached nine without loss as KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal played out a tricky last half-hour on Day 2 with light fading quickly.

IND vs SA: Muthusamy says century was special

The off-spinning all-rounder said reaching triple figures for the first time in his Test career was special and he was happy to contribute to the team.

“It was a really special moment in front of this full house. I’m just glad that I could contribute to the team and really put some runs on the board in the first innings, which is always important,” Muthusamy said after stumps on Day 2.

South Africa had reached 247/6 in 81.5 overs at the end of the opening day and India seemed to have the upper-hand in the game. Coming into the second day, Muthusamy said the plan was to build partnerships.

“It (plan) was just to build partnerships and to really try and extend the innings and then score runs in between. I think Scholesy (Verreynne) did really well today and Marco was special. And the other guys chipped in as well, which was awesome,” the first centurion of the series added.

Marco Jansen was ‘incredible’

Jansen missed his century by seven runs but his 91-ball 93 took the game away from India. He hit seven sixes in his innings, the highest by a visiting batter in India. Muthusamy was at the non-striker’s end to witness most of Jansen’s destruction. He said the hitting from the tall all-rounder was “incredible”.

“Oh, it was incredible. I had the best seat in the house. That was special. Special ball striking. It was fantastic from him. It was awesome,” Muthusamy said.

When asked by Ravi Shastri if the pitch will deteriorate on the coming days of the match, he said the Indian commentators would know it better.

“You guys would probably know it better. Let’s wait and see how it unfolds,” he concluded.