The day started with India bowling and it ended with them bowling as well. But the real story of the day is what happened between the first ball and the last. It will leave you flabbergasted, speechless, amazed, and yet at the same time, make you wonder where batting at the Test level is headed.
Just look at the numbers: A South African record 23 wickets in the day, SA bowled out for 55 in their first innings (their lowest total since being 45 all out against Australia in 1932), India losing six wickets in 11 balls for no run to collapse to 153 all out after being 153/4 in their first innings and then, in reply, SA reached 62/3-trailing by 36 runs. All of this in one day, and some say T20s are manic.
It was exciting, it was entertaining and to be sure, it wasn't entirely on the pitch. It wasn't the easiest wicket to bat on but South Africa's decision to bat first had more to do with the reputation of the venue than pure cricketing logic.
Their bravado backfired as Mohammed Siraj turned up with a spell for the ages to skittle the hosts out for 55, the lowest total against India in Tests. Bowling unchanged from one end, he finished with incredible figures of 9-3-15-6 as South Africa's first innings ended at the stroke of lunch.
This story is from the January 04, 2024 edition of Hindustan Times.
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This story is from the January 04, 2024 edition of Hindustan Times.
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