India pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah was the side's top performer during the opening day of the first Test against South Africa. He recorded figures of 5/27 and played a key role in the side bundling out the visitors for just 159 runs in their first innings. Though Mohammed Siraj (2/47), Kuldeep Yadav (2/36) and Axar Patel (1/21) also chipped in with wickets, Bumrah was easily the Men in Blue's best performer on the day.
Bumrah bags unique feat with stellar bowling effort
By picking up five wickets on the opening day of the match, Bumrah achieved a unique feat. He became the first seamer in 17 years to rack up at least five wickets on the first day of a Test in India. Previously, South Africa's Dale Steyn had clinched five wickets for 23 runs against India in Ahmedabad back in 2008.
This was Bumrah's 16th five-wicket haul in Test cricket, making him the Indian with the fifth joint-most fifers in the format alongside former spinner Bhagwath Chandrasekhar. The only bowlers ahead of him on the list are Ravichandran Ashwin (37), Anil Kumble (35), Harbhajan Singh (25) and Kapil Dev (23).
India dominate on opening day
Coming to the match, India put up a great performance against South Africa on the opening day. After winning the toss and electing to bat first, the Proteas could only manage to put up 159 runs on the board before being bowled out. It was a fine bowling performance from the hosts, who absolutely dominated over the opposing batters and ensured that they didn't manage to score big on the day.
In reply, India lost Yashasvi Jaiswal early for just 12 runs as Marco Jansen opened his wicket account for the day. But, the duo of KL Rahul and Washington Sundar ensured that the Men in Blue didn't lose any more wickets during the final session of the day. The first day concluded with the hosts on 37/1, trailing South Africa by 122 runs. It remains to be seen how the things will develop on the second day at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.