South Africa Post Commanding 489 in Guwahati Test
South Africa compiled a formidable first-innings total of 489, powered by a maiden Test century from Senuran Muthusamy and a blistering 93 from Marco Jansen, on the second day of the second Test against India at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Sunday. Resuming from a precarious overnight score of 247 for six, the visitors batted with resilience for nearly six sessions, forcing the Indian bowlers to toil across 151.1 overs.
Muthusamy Anchors with Maiden Ton, Jansen Agonizingly Close
The day belonged to Senuran Muthusamy, who converted his overnight start into a magnificent 109. He was the bedrock of the South African innings, first stitching a crucial 88-run partnership for the seventh wicket with Kyle Verreynne (45) to steady the ship. After Verreynne's dismissal, Muthusamy found another able ally in Marco Jansen. Together, they added 97 vital runs, consolidating South Africa's position and pushing the total beyond the 450-mark.
At the other end, Marco Jansen played a sensational counter-attacking innings, smashing seven sixes during his stay. However, heartbreak followed as he fell just seven runs short of a maiden Test hundred. Trying to guide a Kuldeep Yadav googly behind point, Jansen got an inside edge that cannoned onto his stumps, ending a spectacular knock of 93 that had put India firmly on the back foot.
Indian Bowlers Toil as Kuldeep Shines
The Indian bowling attack was made to work extremely hard for their wickets on a pitch that offered consistent bounce but little alarming turn or seam. Left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav emerged as the most successful bowler, finishing with figures of 4 for 115. The pace duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, along with all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, claimed two wickets each. Debutant Nitish Reddy bowled only six overs, while Washington Sundar remained wicketless.
The Proteas' lower-order batting was a masterclass in application. Muthusamy's hundred, the third by a South African batting at No.7 or lower against India, and Jansen's explosive hitting, which saw him equal the record for most sixes (7) in a Test innings against India, showcased their depth and fight.
With a massive total on the board, the pressure is now squarely on the Indian batters. The home team faces a monumental task in their reply, with history showing that overcoming a first-innings deficit of this magnitude is a rare feat in Test cricket.
