The visitors from South Africa drove themselves into a dominant position on Day 2 of the two-match series against India in the second Test at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati. Heading into the last three days, the home side has a steep mountain to scale.
Thanks mostly to a maiden Test century by Senuran Muthusamy (109) and a swashbuckling 93 off 91 balls by Marco Jansen, South Africa’s first innings score rose to 489 all out.
Kuldeep Yadav took four wickets and gave India’s bowling some outstanding effort. Coming to bat late in the day, India were still behind by 480 runs and at stumps were 9/0.
Considering the wide margin South Africa holds now, the issue is whether the Indian cricket team can engineer a turnaround. India must bat aggressively and force the tempo, perhaps even think about a declaration while still behind, if they wish to save the Test with only three days left and South Africa having already batted long. India’s last triumph after such a home shortfall came two decades ago.
South Africa constructed steadily throughout Day 2 before changing gears in the late sessions. While Marco Jansen’s presence late in the innings provided strong momentum, especially with numerous sixes that interrupted the Indian rhythm, Muthusamy grew confident.
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Until the last stage of the innings, India’s bowlers were unable to crack the partnership, therefore making South Africa’s charge almost certain.
India also has more to fight than just the scoreboard. Their usual captain, Shubman Gill, is missing after a neck injury, and stand-in skipper Rishabh Pant is under extra stress to inspire a team behind in the series.
South Africa will want to cement their lead as the competition enters Day 3, maybe by setting India a formidable target. India must decide whether it will bat for longevity to save the Test or push for more daring strategies to force a result; either way, the stakes are great.
