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The first day of the second Test between India and South Africa saw a staggering 23 wickets fall, with several records being shattered. Opting to bat first, South Africa were dismissed for 55 in the first session, marking the lowest total ever scored against India in Tests. India then collapsed to 153 all out, with their last six wickets falling for no runs – setting a new world record. By the close of Day 1's play, India had asserted their dominance, leaving South Africa struggling at 62/3 in their second innings.
Even seasoned Indian cricket commentators were taken aback by the day's events. Sanjay Manjrekar had forecasted four wickets in the first session, while Piyush Chawla expected three. But both the predictions stood wrong.
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"We should be sacked for our poor prediction. I said 4, he (Piyush) said 3. Mohammed Siraj was not trying to swing the ball. Just watch all the deliveries, the balls that got him wickets. No one is floating the ball up and trying to get a swing. This is the South African way of getting wickets in South Africa.
"There is something about an action that is repeatable. Siraj is a type of bowler, if he has 3 wickets in 5 overs, you don't want to give him a break. He would want to go on and on. He is somebody who would bowl 12 overs in a session," Manjrekar said on Star Sports.
Talking about the match, Mohammed Siraj delivered a stunning morning spell, claiming six wickets, but was then dismayed to see India lose six wickets in just eleven balls during the final session. Despite this setback, India managed to regain the upper hand against South Africa on an enthralling first day of the second Test.
Siraj's career-best 6/15 had earlier bowled South Africa out for their lowest post-apartheid total of 55. India, standing at 153 for 4 at one point, shockingly lost six wickets without adding a single run in the span of 11 balls, ultimately securing a 98-run lead.
The day's play saw a remarkable occurrence where six Indian batsmen failed to score, and one remained not out without contributing to the score, creating a scenario that was both unusual and challenging for statisticians.
Lungi Ngidi (3/30) and Kagiso Rabada (3/38) were instrumental in claiming five of the six wickets, ensuring that India's lead stayed under 100, thereby gaining a psychological edge in a day that saw a total of 23 wickets tumble. Despite their attacking approach, South Africa adopted a more measured strategy in their second innings, finishing the day at 62 for three. This effort reduced their deficit to 36 runs, with Aiden Markram appearing particularly steady at 32 not out. The record for the most wickets lost on the first day of a Test match is 25, a record set during an Ashes Test way back in 1902.
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