IND vs SA: Kuldeep Yadav's 3-fer rescues India after pacers' off day to leave South Africa at 247/6 on Day 1 of 2nd Test

India did well in the end to keep South Africa in check on Day 1 of the second Test at the Barsapara stadium in Guwahati. Despite the Proteas getting off to a promising start, India wrestled back control by taking regular wickets, which effectively stemmed the flow of runs throughout the day. It was Kuldeep Yadav, who hogged the limelight after pacers' off day on Day 1. Kuldeep notched up a brilliant spell of 3/48 with Ravindra Jadeja by his side, who chipped in with 1/30. Out of the three pacers in Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Nitish Kumar Reddy, only first two managed to eke out a wicket each. The day's play ultimately ended early due to bad light, with South Africa's score standing at 247/6.

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Strong Start by South African Openers

Earlier in the day, South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first on a pitch that appeared favorable for batting, marking the inaugural Test match ever held in Guwahati. South African openers Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickleton looked solid and composed, successfully compiling an 82-run opening partnership. Although Jasprit Bumrah was bowling well, he only managed to break the stand on the final ball of the first session, dismissing Markram and allowing India to claw their way back into the contest.

Kuldeep Yadav leaves Proteas in a spin

The match featured an unusual moment as a Tea break was taken before the Lunch interval for the first time in Test cricket. Upon resumption, India’s spin maestro Kuldeep Yadav struck immediately, dismissing Ryan Rickleton within two deliveries, which introduced a brief moment of panic into the Proteas' batting order. However, Temba Bavuma and Tristan Stubbs stabilized the innings with another strong partnership, successfully guiding South Africa to a score of 156 for 2 by Lunch.

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Tristan Stubbs misses out on fifty

It was the final session where India inflicted the most significant damage. The partnership was finally broken when Tristan Stubbs (49) poked at a wide delivery and was dismissed just shy of a fifty, on 49. Kuldeep Yadav secured another important wicket when he had Temba Bavuma caught by Yashasvi Jaiswal for 41. Although Tony de Zorzi and Senuran Muthuswamy threatened to bat until stumps, with South Africa nearing 250, Mohammed Siraj bowled a delivery often described as a 'peach' to dismiss the left-handed Muthuswamy, leaving the visitors at 247/6 at the close of play.