GUWAHATI: South Africa have crossed the 400-run milestone and hold the upper hand against India on Day 2 of the second Test in Guwahati, with Senuran Muthusamy and Marco Jansen at the crease.
Ravindra Jadeja has accounted for the only wicket of the day so far, dismissing South African wicket-keeper batter Kyle Verreynne. India struggled in the first session under captain Rishabh Pant, failing to take any wickets.
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Muthusamy and Jansen have steadily built a solid partnership in the second session, punishing any loose deliveries and rotating the strike effectively.
South Africa finally lost a wicket after Tea when Verreynne was stumped for 45 off 122 balls, ending his partnership with Muthusamy. The overnight duo had batted carefully in the first session, taking a patient approach similar to Temba Bavuma’s strategy in the first Test, and only capitalizing on poor deliveries. Muthusamy reached his half-century off 121 balls. By Tea, South Africa had reached 316/6 in 111 overs without losing a wicket in the first session.
Day 1 had been evenly contested, with both teams sharing honors. India had a slight advantage after taking six wickets, with the spinners dismantling South Africa’s middle order and preventing any top-order batter from settling in.
With the focus now shifting to batting, India’s top order carries the responsibility. KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal will look to bounce back after twin ducks in last week’s run chase, while Sai Sudharsan has been given a crucial opportunity to make an impact.
In Shubman Gill’s absence, the middle order will face pressure to provide stability and negotiate Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj with the older ball. The inclusion of Nitish Kumar Reddy brings a bit more balance, but the lineup remains left-heavy and will need to bat cautiously.
