Jasprit Bumrah has now equaled the record for Team India’s 5th highest run-scorer in Tests with 16. (Credit – Agencies)
India’s opening day against South Africa at the Eden Gardens belonged to Jasprit Bumrah and the fast bowler was quick to play down any talk of magic after his decisive five-wicket haul. Instead, he credited patience and discipline for shaping India’s strong position in the first Test.Bumrah’s 5/27 dismantled South Africa for 159 in 55 overs on a surface offering variable bounce but also quick scoring if the bowlers drifted. India finished the day in control, leaving room for their batsmen to take the game by the corners when play resumes on Saturday. Speaking after stumps, Bumrah said his approach was built around resisting the temptation to chase unplanned breakthroughs. “If you want success, you need patience,” he said, adding that the conditions required focus rather than looking for miracle deliveries. “Obviously this is a wicket where the outfield is fast and the wicket is hard. If you are too desperate or go for the magic ball, the runs come too quickly.” He needed time to settle into his rhythm, going wicketless in the first five overs before hitting his stride. His first strike came with a seam that sent Ryan Rickelton’s stumps flying to open the door for India. In his next spell, Bumrah appreciated Aiden Markram for 31 with a rising delivery that brushed the glove and carried to a diving Rishabh Pant. Both dismissals shifted the momentum firmly towards India. While India opted for four spinners on a pitch that was expected to rotate later in the match, it was Bumrah who led the charge through three tightly controlled spells. “You have to control your temptation and create pressure and see how tough the scoring opportunities are on the run,” he said. “If you keep passing in good areas, you will get wickets. Despite this dominance, Bumrah kept the bigger picture in mind. “It feels very good,” he said of his catch, before noting the challenge to impress in a tough lineup. “Very happy with the performance but still work to do in the test match.
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South Africa batting coach Ashwell Prince admitted his side were outmatched. “It was a sensational display of bowling, especially from Bumrah,” Prince said, also praising the contribution of India’s spinners. With Mohammed Siraj and Kuldeep Yadav adding two wickets each, India ended the day with a big lead and left the second day poised to shape the direction of the Test and potentially gain a sizeable lead. At stumps on the first day, India fell behind by 122 runs.
