India’s experienced spinner Ravindra Jadeja scripted history at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati on Day 4 of the second Test against South Africa. Jadeja became the second left-arm spinner in Test cricket history to take 50 or more wickets and first in 115 years. England's Colin Blythe is the only other left-arm spinner to achieve this feat. From 10 Tests against South Africa, Blythe claimed 59 wickets at an average of 16.71, featuring six five-wicket hauls.
The third on the list is another England left-arm spinner, Johnny Wardle, with 46 wickets from nine Tests. Wardle is followed by Sri Lanka's Rangana Herath who claimed 43 wickets from 11 Tests. New Zealand's Daniel Vettori is far down below the list with 21 wickets from 14 Tests at an average of 73.28 against the Proteas.
Jadeja gets rid of both openers in 1st session
On Day 4, Jadeja claimed two wickets in the first session. He broke the opening partnership with the wicket of Ryan Rickelton who was caught by Mohammed Siraj at short cover. Then, he knocked over Aiden Markram to complete 50 Test wickets against South Africa.
Jadeja on elite list of India-South Africa bowlers
Jadeja is the fifth Indian bowler to take 50 Tests wickets against South Africa. The first on the list is Anil Kumble with 84 wickets from 21 Tests. He is followed by Javagal Srinath (64 wickets), Harbhajan Singh (60 wickets) and, Ravichandran Ashwin (57 wickets).
For South Africa, bowlers with 50 or more Test wickets against India are — Dale Steyn (65 wickets), current India bowling coach Morne Morkel (58 wickets), Allan Donald (57 wickets), an injured Kagiso Rabada (55 wickets) and Shaun Pollock (52 wickets).
Jadeja’s strikes in 1st innings, off day with bat
In the previous innings, Jadeja claimed two wickets as well. His first victim of the Test was Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma. His second scalp from first innings was wicketkeeper-batter Kyle Verreynne who was stumped for 45.
He could not do much with the bat and was surprised by the extra bounce generated by Marco Jansen. The southpaw was part of the collapse on Day 3 and fell after scoring six runs.