In a stunning showcase of bowling prowess, Team India decimated South Africa, bundling them out for a mere 55 runs in the first innings of the second Test in Cape Town. Stand-in skipper Dean Elgar’s decision to bat backfired as the Proteas faced an unexpected collapse, with Mohammed Siraj leading the onslaught with a remarkable bowling spell of 6/15. Fast bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Mukesh Kumar added to the spectacle by claiming two wickets each, delivering a breathtaking exhibition of pace bowling at Newlands.
Siraj, who took center stage, maintained relentless pressure on the South African batters, securing his five-wicket haul in just the 16th over. His dismissal of SA batter Marco Jansen showcased exceptional skill and execution, with a delivery precisely strategized.
Former Indian captain Virat Kohli, standing in slips, was seen gesturing to Siraj just before the delivery, indicating the precise area to target for Jansen’s dismissal. The strategy unfolded flawlessly, with the delivery tempting Jansen forward, inducing an edge caught by KL Rahul, exactly as planned by Kohli’s tactical acumen.
This remarkable turnaround by Team India, following a dismal performance in the first Test, signals a strong intent to seize control. With a strong display in the bowling department, India aims to rectify their shortcomings from the previous match, where both batters and bowlers struggled in an innings defeat.
As Siraj showcased exceptional skill and execution, India demonstrated not only their bowling prowess but also the strategic brilliance of their players on the field.