The opening day of the first Test between India and South Africa at the Eden Gardens firmly belonged to Jasprit Bumrah. India’s spearhead, who came into the series under scrutiny after a flat outing in previous assignments, returned to top form on Friday, November 15, with a masterclass that left South Africa reeling and the Kolkata crowd buzzing. His five-goal haul not only paralyzed the visitors, but also reminded everyone of his uncanny ability to change the mood of an entire match the moment he had the ball in hand.
India’s attack initially looked shaky despite the curators promising a “sporty” pitch. But with significant spin and even reverse swing appearing on day one, questions will no doubt be asked on the surface. While Mohammed Siraj and Axar Patel were dismantled by the openers, everything changed the moment Bumrah took the ball. The energy shifted instantly. His lengths were fuller, his angles sharper, and his late motion was suffocating. From a strong start, South Africa collapsed for 159 – a harsh denouement that the Indian fast bowler managed almost single-handedly.
India’s response with the bat included a surprising early turnaround. After Yashasvi Jaiswal fell on 12, Washington Sundar – not Gill or Shreyas Iyer – departed at No. 3. At first glance, it seemed unusual, but the move is based on logic: Sundar has quietly built a strong first-class record in the position, scoring 171 runs in four innings with a top score of 152, and suggesting he has settled into his new role with ease, as a natural role. The Indian think tank planned it on purpose.
While South Africa performed worse with the bat, their bowlers put up a much better fight. Without Kagiso Rabada – their injured spearhead – Marco Jansen led the attack with venom and discipline. He hit the deck hard, attacked consistently and finally dismissed Jaiswal with a sharp pinch that took the left-hander’s place. Jansen’s intensity ensured that India never got completely comfortable and kept the contest alive despite some disappointing batting. (FULL REPORT)
