1st Test: India Eye Lead Over South Africa Despite Early Wicket Losses
KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant Shine as India Eyes Lead on Day Two at Eden Gardens
India, Nov 15 : India put themselves within touching distance of taking a lead over South Africa in the first Test at Eden Gardens, despite losing three wickets before lunch on day two. The hosts added 101 runs in the morning session, but skipper Shubman Gill retired hurt with a neck spasm, adding to the challenges.
KL Rahul and Washington Sundar played crucial innings, navigating tricky batting conditions. Rahul reached his 4,000th Test run, while Sundar impressed with a series of aggressive shots against South African spinners Marco Jansen and Simon Harmer.
South Africa’s spin strategy paid off when Harmer induced an edge from Sundar, resulting in his dismissal. Gill showcased his elegance with a sweep for four before retiring hurt due to a neck spasm. Rahul counter-attacked, hitting a six off Maharaj before eventually being caught for 39.
Rishabh Pant, returning after a July foot injury, made an explosive contribution, including multiple sixes, surpassing Virender Sehwag’s record for most sixes by an Indian in Test cricket. However, Pant was dismissed attempting a pull off Corbin Bosch. Despite the setbacks, Jadeja and Jurel helped steady the innings before lunch.
Brief Scores: South Africa 159 (Aiden Markram 31; Jasprit Bumrah 5-27) lead India 138/4 in 45 overs (KL Rahul 39, Washington Sundar 29; Corbin Bosch 1-6, Simon Harmer 1-22) by 21 runs.
