Though South Africa: Ravindra Jadeja spun a web around South Africa’s batting line-up to claim four wickets while bowling from the Pavilion End as the visitors were reduced to 93/7 in 35 overs at stumps on day two of the first Test at Eden Gardens on Saturday. Though South Africa have a lead of 63 runs, Jadeja picking 4-29 meant the game is still on a knife’s edge.
After dismissing India for 189 earlier in the day, with the hosts having a slender 30-run lead, South Africa appeared to have levelled the contest, especially with Shubman Gill absent from the field after retiring hurt for four due to a neck spasm.
But their batting collapsed under the pressure of high-quality spin and questionable shot selection, thus handing India the advantage at the close of day’s play. The pitch continued to play its tricks, with variable bounce and sharp turns making batting increasingly difficult. While a chase of 125 would look steep, it would require South Africa to nearly double their current lead, which is no easy task on this surface.
