Mohammed Siraj hangs up his Spidercam cap during the 2nd Test in Guwahati. (Images via X/Screengrabs) Mohammed Siraj provided one of the few shining moments for the Indian supporters on a tough third day in Guwahati when he briefly turned Spidercam into a stand to hang his cap.Late in the day, when South Africa elected to bat again rather than force follow-on, a clip emerged showing Siraj placing his cap on the broadcast camera while standing in his fielding position. The cap hung over the lens and drew cheers from the crowd as the cameraman lowered the device towards him, seemingly urging the pacemaker to take it off.
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Siraj ignored the nudge at first and waited for the next delivery to finish before walking over and removing the lid. The moment drew laughs from the stands and online and offered the home fans rare respite on an otherwise punishing day for India.This light-hearted exchange took place against the backdrop of South Africa’s commanding position, driven in large part by Marc Jansen’s excellent all-round display. Earlier, India were bundled out for 201 in their first innings, giving the visitors a lead of 288. Jansen was at the center of the collapse, claiming 6/48 to add to his first innings 93.His haul put him alongside some of South Africa’s best performances in the country, behind only Lance Klusener and Dale Steyn in terms of figures for visiting pacers. It also made him only the third left-arm fast bowler to take five wickets in India after Zaheer Khan and Mitchell Johnson.Watch the funny moment hereIndia leveled their innings briefly through Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav who added 72 runs for the eighth wicket. But once Simon Harmer removed Washington, Jansen returned to finish the inning. Kuldeep fell to a steep bounce and Jasprit Bumrah was the last wicket to get past the next short ball.
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With India dismissed deep into the final session, South Africa surprised many by choosing not to push for the follow-on. Ryan Rickelton and Aiden Markram then increased the lead to 314 by the stumps, making 26 without loss.The visitors are now in full control with two days remaining as India face the prospect of having to salvage the Test and hopefully the series.
