India vs South Africa: Shardul Thakur, Prasidh Krishna's poor show raises concern about fast bowling

India continue to search for wickets in the first Test at Centurion as South Africa slowly but steadily build their lead. On Day 1, After India were asked to bat under overcast conditions, South Africa managed to take eight wickets and it was only KL Rahul who got past the 50-run mark. India vs South Africa 1st Test Day 3 LIVE After finishing on 208/8 on Day 1 with Rahul not out on 70, India could only reach 245 before being bowled out. It was Rahul’s fighting knock of 101 that helped India get to a respectable total and the Karnataka batter to make history. India’s batting woes were a clear reminder that it was going to be tough for South African batters as well. But at the end of Day 2, South Africa had an 11-run lead and they continue to consolidate on Day 3. Now, the conditions did improve a bit on Day 2. It wasn’t as overcast, but still, everything favoured the bowlers. It’s clear from the fact how Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj started with the ball. As per ESPNCricinfo, Bumrah and Siraj went past or took the edge of the bat 26 times in 11 overs. In this period, the Proteas lost just one wicket with Siraj getting Aiden Markram caught behind. In comparison, South African pacers went past or took the edge of the bat just 17 times in the first 11.1 overs and had three wickets. Bumrah and Siraj were unlucky but everyone who came after them was ordinary. Prasidh Krishna and Sharul Thakur were given the opportunity after the second session started. From 49/1, South Africa raced to 91/1 in just eight overs as 42 runs were added. Day 2 and control of the match slipped away from India’s hands in that period. The lack of discipline marked the bowling of Thakur and Krishna. They just couldn’t get the ball to pitch full and in line to trouble the batters. Captain Rohit Sharma responded by making bowling changes and Bumrah fired back with two wickets in quick succession but by then Elgar had got a good hang of the situation and guided South Africa to the lead. Overall, 145 runs were scored from 33 overs in the second session which proved decisive on Day 2. Krishna got better with time and took a wicket in the third session, but overall the change pacers were very poor for India and it raises the question of how strong is India’s fast bowling supply line currently. Mohammed Shami ideally would have been the first change bowler but he was ruled out of the series due to an ankle injury. It’s a problem that can arise anytime. Even Bumrah has had a lot of injury troubles lately and the replacements must be ready to fill in those boots immediately. Otherwise, Indian pacers are sure to face a lot of heat in upcoming Tests.