The day didn’t start well for South Africa with the news that premier fast bowler Kagiso Rabada had been ruled out of the Test due to a rib injury he sustained during training in the build-up. Then there was some good news, as South Africa won the toss, which is always important on the subcontinent. 

But that was the last bit of good news for the Proteas.

Mohammed Siraj. Photo: Cricinfo

South Africa had a bat first, and things were looking good after an opening stand of 57 before Ryan Rickelton lost his wicket for 23 with the score on 57 after 10.3 overs.

Just five runs later, Aiden Markram lost his wicket for 31, and ultimately South Africa were bowled out for 159 in 55 overs. Wiaan Mulder and Tony de Zorzi each scored 24, but no other batters were able to trouble the scorers.

This was also down to incredible bowling by seamer Jasprit Bumrah, who delivered an outstanding 5/27 in 14 overs, while Kuldeep Yadav took 2/36 and Mohammed Siraj claimed 2/47.

Temba Bavuma. Photo: Cricinfo

In reply, India started their first innings with the bat far slower than South Africa, and the visitors managed to take the early wicket of Yashasvi Jaiswal for 12 with the score on 18 when he was bowled by Marco Jansen.

When stumps were called due to bad light with the score on 37/1 after 20 overs, KL Rahul was unbeaten on 13 off 59 balls, while Washington Sundar faced 38 deliveries for his six runs.

After the day’s play, Proteas batting coach Ashwell Prince lauded the Indian bowlers, especially Bumrah, for his superb spell.

Tony de Zorzi. Photo: Cricinfo

“I think it was a sensational bowling display, particularly from Bumrah,” said Prince.

“Siraj didn’t quite hit his straps in his first spell, but when he changed ends, he found his rhythm, his line and length, and he was pretty good. Bumrah was relentless, and Siraj was very good as well. 

“Sometimes, as batters, there’s not a lot you can do about really good deliveries. We’ve got to keep working hard; there’s still a long way to go in the game.”

Jasprit Bumrah. Photo: Cricinfo

Prince added that the bounce on the pitch was certainly variable, which made it tough for the batters, but they will be frustrated that none were able to convert good starts into big runs.

“When you look at the scorecard, quite a few of the guys will be disappointed at getting to 20 or 30 and then getting out,” Prince added.

“But first, we have to give credit to the Indian bowlers; a lot of those were very good deliveries. My assessment of the surface is that the signs were there early on that the bounce was inconsistent.

Yashasvi Jaiswal bowled out by Marco Jansen. Photo: Cricinfo

“One ball rolled for four byes, and a couple in the same over reared up. That inconsistency makes it difficult for batters to grow in confidence, even after an hour at the crease.

“When you’re up against a quality attack that consistently hits the danger area, the ball can do too much for you, and unfortunately, that’s what happened today.”

It promises to be another challenging session ahead. Play at Eden Gardens resumes at 06:00 on Saturday morning.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh