South Africa showcased resilience on the second day of the first Test against India, claiming three wickets in the opening session. By lunch, India found itself at 138-4 at the renowned Eden Gardens in Kolkata, still trailing by 21 runs after South Africa had been bowled out for 159 in its first innings.
The hosts faced a challenging wicket, and their situation worsened when skipper Shubman Gill was forced to retire hurt. This setback added to India’s struggles as they attempted to build a competitive score. The pressure was palpable, with the South African bowlers capitalizing on the conditions.
India’s innings began with promise, but the early loss of wickets put them on the back foot. The standout bowler for South Africa was Jasprit Bumrah, who made a significant impact by taking 5 wickets for just 27 runs in the first innings. His performance helped set a challenging target for the Indian batsmen as they entered the second day.
With a mixture of skillful bowling and a pitch that offered assistance, South Africa’s bowlers executed their plans effectively. The session was characterized by tight lines and disciplined fielding, which frustrated the Indian batsmen.
As the game progresses, both teams understand the importance of this Test match. South Africa aims to maintain their momentum, while India will look to stabilize their innings and build a lead. The current situation at lunch sets the stage for a gripping contest in the hours ahead.
