Though South Africa: India’s left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder Axar Patel said the Eden Gardens surface was offering contrasting behaviour from either end, and noted that India would be confident chasing anything under 125, given the challenging nature of the pitch at the end of Day Two in the first Test against South Africa.
At the close of Day Two’s play, South Africa were reduced to 93/7 in 35 overs, with Ravindra Jadeja taking 4-29. Though South Africa have a lead of 63 runs, the game is still on a knife-edge, especially after 16 wickets fell on Day Two. India were also bowled out for 189 in 62.2 overs and had a slender 30-run lead.
“Obviously, from one end, it feels like it's going straight, but from the other end, too much of a turn and bounce is happening. I feel that you have to play attacking cricket as a batter, and only then can you make runs. With the way wicket is right now, if we can keep them under 125, it should be easy and chaseable,” Axar told broadcasters at the end of day two’s play.
