Bumrah 5fer powers India to dominant position vs South Africa in 1st test at Eden Gardens

 


After six long years, Test cricket finally returned to Kolkata. The anticipation around the India–South Africa Test at Eden Gardens was evident well in advance. From Goshto Pal Sarani to the Maidan, long queues for tickets signalled the city’s excitement. And when the soft winter sun broke through on Saturday morning, thousands of fans streamed toward Eden.

At the toss, with the clock nearing nine, Shubman Gill’s luck didn’t change. But unfazed, he told match presenter Ravi Shastri, “Maybe my luck will turn in the World Test Championship final.” His voice carried unshakable confidence — a confidence that soon reflected in India’s performance. Powered by Bumrah, Kuldeep and Siraj, South Africa were bundled out for just 159 in their first innings. India replied with 37/1 at stumps.

South African captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and opted to bat — the expected choice. India entered the Test with a bold combination of four spinners, or more accurately, one specialist spinner and three spin-bowling all-rounders. The decision to leave out Sai Sudharsan triggered debate, but once play began, the Indian bowlers ensured all discussions took a back seat.

During the first 10 overs, however, that dominance wasn’t visible. Openers Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton raced to 57/0, looking fluent and assured. But in the 11th over, a fiery Jasprit Bumrah broke through by dismissing Rickelton. Two overs later, Bumrah struck again — removing Markram for 23. South Africa’s openers fell for 31 and 23, and the slide had begun. Soon after, Bavuma (3) was trapped by Kuldeep Yadav. South Africa reached lunch at 105/3.

Just after the break, the collapse accelerated. Kuldeep removed Mulder for 24, and Tony de Zorzi (24) was trapped LBW by Bumrah. Siraj, who had leaked runs with the new ball at over eight an over, returned with the old ball to showcase his class. He dismissed Kyle Verreynne for 16, and in the same over, removed Marco Jansen for a duck.

Before tea, Axar Patel sent back Corbin Bosch (3). South Africa crawled into the interval at 154/8, a far cry from their brisk start. After tea, they lasted only three overs. Simon Harmer was bowled by Bumrah for 5, and Keshav Maharaj fell next ball, unable to negotiate a searing yorker. The innings ended at 159.
Bumrah finished with five wickets, Kuldeep and Siraj took two each, and Axar claimed one.

India’s response began shakily as Yashasvi Jaiswal was bowled for 12 by Jansen. Then came the much-debated promotion: Washington Sundar walked in at No. 3, replacing the expected Sai Sudharsan. The decision had surprised veterans and sent social media into a frenzy. But Washington showed resilience. Though scoring slowly, he remained unbeaten on 6 off 38 balls, holding one end. KL Rahul was not out on 13.

Both batters avoided unnecessary risks, guiding India to 37/1 at the end of Day 1.


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