India bowled out South Africa for just 55 runs, a record low against India in Test cricket, with Mohammed Siraj taking 6-15 wrecking the Proteas’ batting lineup. However, India’s batting crumbled after taking a lead. They lost six wickets in 11 balls, a dismal record in Test history.
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Despite their collapse, India held an advantage as South Africa ended day one at 62/3. The hosts trail by 36 runs on a challenging pitch. Dean Elgar, in his farewell Test, won the toss for South Africa but witnessed his team struggle early on. Wickets fell swiftly, with Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah tormenting the Proteas’ top order. South Africa’s top order quickly collapsed to 29/4.
Siraj’s fiery spell accounted for six wickets, while other bowlers like Mukesh Kumar also joined the party, limiting South Africa to a meagre total. In response, India’s batting commenced well with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill’s fine strokes but faced a setback when key players like Rohit and Gill fell to the Proteas’ bowling attack.
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Virat Kohli showed resilience amidst wickets tumbling around him. But a spell of excellent bowling from Lungi Ngidi caused more damage to India’s batting lineup. Ngidi dismissed crucial batsmen, including Kohli, leaving India reeling. Eventually, South Africa’s second innings saw a sturdy start from Aiden Markram and some quick wickets, ending with Markram and David Bedingham not out, reaching the day’s close without further loss.
Dean Elgar, in his final innings in international cricket, departed for 12. South Africa ended the day trailing by 36 runs with Markram unbeaten at 36 and Bedingham at seven.
