IND vs SA Live Score: Tristan Stubbs hails Kuldeep Yadav’s masterful performance in Guwahati Test
Tristan Stubbs admitted that Kuldeep Yadav completely outwitted him with a single delivery on the first day of the second Test in Guwahati, showing that experience and skill can overcome familiarity. The Delhi Capitals teammates have faced each other many times in the nets, but Stubbs admitted that Kuldeep’s first ball of the new spell made him dance despite his previous knowledge.
Stubbs, who fell just short of a half-century and scored 49 off 113 balls, had earlier hit Kuldeep for a couple of sixes. However, the spinner flicked one up, allowing it to drift in the air and deviate after the pitch. Stubbs’ hands moved without matching footwork, resulting in a simple catch to KL Rahul at first slip.
“I’ve stood with him a few times. This was the first ball of his new spell and I think the best he’s bowled,” Stubbs said after the day’s play. “From my angle, it kind of beat me in the drift, that’s why my hands kind of ran away. For him to play the first ball that came back, I thought that was pretty impressive.”
Stubbs also revealed some hilarious banter with Kuldeep, who teased him about the batter’s constant complaints that the spinner wasn’t mixing enough for him in the Delhi nets. “He walked by and said, ‘You can’t say I’m not throwing bowls at you anymore,'” Stubbs laughed.
Promoted to No. 3 by head coach Shukri Conrad, Stubbs acknowledged that the mental adjustment to batting higher in the order was more challenging than the technical side. “It’s not the easiest thing, but I tried to tighten up my game plan, focus on defense and manage scoring opportunities,” he said.
Stubbs reflected on Barsapara’s surface, noting that while better for survivability than Calcutta, it doesn’t allow for smooth move play. “You can bat for time but the scoreboard doesn’t move much. Seamers were jumping straight and tight, attacking the stumps and we had chances but we didn’t really take them. That’s on us,” he added.
Stubbs’ reflections highlight the challenges of adapting to Indian conditions and facing a quality spin, while highlighting the subtle tactical battles that make Test cricket so compelling.
