A dramatic India vs South Africa Day 2 saw 15 wickets tumble on a rapidly deteriorating Eden Gardens pitch. It leaves the hosts firmly in control of the first Ind vs SA Test. Ravindra Jadeja’s four-wicket haul decimated the Proteas, putting India on the cusp of a significant victory.
Now, South Africa has a 63-run lead. The day began with India resuming their first innings at 37/1, but the Eden Gardens pitch report of a batting-friendly surface proved wildly inaccurate.
The second day of the India vs South Africa clash unveiled a demon in the deck, with the top layer disintegrating and offering extravagant turn and unpredictable bounce from the outset. Wickets fell in clusters, with India’s first innings ending at 189, largely thanks to a battling 39 from KL Rahul.
In reply, South Africa’s second innings collapsed to 93/7, with Jadeja’s spin proving unplayable. His pivotal spell of 4/29 ripped through the middle order, leaving the visitors effectively 63/7 when considering the overall lead.
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Day 2 Unfolds: A Bowler’s Paradise
The Ind vs SA Day 2 action was a relentless procession of batters to and from the pavilion. India’s innings, which started at 37/1, lost their last nine wickets for 152 runs.
The pitch’s vicious nature was highlighted when Shubman Gill, on 23, was forced to retire hurt with a neck spasm after being struck by a brutish delivery that kicked off a length. The highest partnership of the entire Test match thus far remains a modest 57, underscoring the batting chaos.
When South Africa batted again, trailing by 30 runs, their innings was a carbon copy of the first day’s collapse. Jasprit Bumrah made the initial incision before the spinners took over.
The Eden Gardens turn became increasingly pronounced, and Jadeja was masterful. He bowled with impeccable control, varying his pace and exploiting the rough patches.
Key moments included the dismissal of Keegan Petersen, bowled through the gate by a sharp turner, and the crucial wicket of David Bedingham, trapped lbw by one that skidded on. At the other end, Temba Bavuma displayed immense grit to remain 29*, but found little support as the pitch continued to misbehave.
Tactical Analysis: Exploiting a Deteriorating Surface
The central character of this India vs South Africa Day two narrative has been the Test match pitch deterioration. What appeared to be a solid batting track has, within six sessions, become a minefield.
Both bowling attacks demonstrated supreme skill, but India’s spin trio of Jadeja, Ashwin, and Kuldeep Yadav adapted quickly. They bowled fuller lengths, inviting drives and allowing the pitch to do the rest.
The seamers, notably Bumrah and Marco Jansen, exploited the variable bounce by hitting the hard lengths, making forward or back play a perilous gamble.
The tactical battle for the remaining days is stark. South Africa’s only hope is for Bavuma to marshal the tail and eke out a lead of 120-150, a total that could be incredibly challenging on this surface.
Their bowlers will need to replicate the discipline of India’s spinners, targeting the stumps consistently. India, conversely, will aim to wrap up the South African innings swiftly.
Their chase, regardless of the target, will require a blend of aggression and survival; long innings seem improbable, so quick, impactful partnerships will be the key.
What’s Next
The Ind vs SA Test has swung decisively in India’s favour, with their bowlers, especially Jadeja, seizing the initiative. The Eden Gardens pitch report for Day 3 will likely warn of even more significant deterioration, making any fourth-innings chase a monumental task.
South Africa must bat defensively and hope for a miraculous lower-order stand, while India will push for a quick mopping-up operation to secure a 1-0 series lead. The match is poised for an early finish, with India needing just three wickets to launch their assault on a modest target.
The third day’s opening session will be decisive, as India looks to wrap up the tail and chase down a victory target on a spiteful pitch.
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My name is Krishanu Das the founder of the Sports Dribble.
I am Accountant by profession but a Sports Blogger by passion.
I am passionate about sharing my all knowledge and experiences of sports, with my readers and every sports enthusiast.
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