SA vs IND: 1st Test, Day 2 Review – Dean Elgar’s gutsy ton puts the Proteas ahead

South Africa and India clashed on day two of their two-match Test series at SuperSport Park in Centurion. India resumed their innings at 208 for eight, with KL Rahul and Mohammed Siraj at the crease. They added 37 more runs, and Rahul completed his century before being the last man to fall, scoring a brilliant 101 off 137 balls with 14 fours and four sixes before India finished their innings at 245.

In response, South Africa faced an early setback. Aiden Markram was dismissed by Siraj with the team’s total at just 11. However, Tony de Zorzi and Dean Elgar weathered the initial pace burst and capitalized on the opportunities presented by the additional pacers. Shardul Thakur struggled on a pitch seemingly suited for his seam bowling, while Prasidh erred in length. Post Lunch, scoring became easier for South Africa as the pitch flattened out.

Bumrah’s return spell made an impact as he dismissed de Zorzi and Keegan Petersen for 28 and two, respectively. South Africa then strengthened their position with a 131-run partnership between debutant David Bedingham and Elgar. Bedingham scored a fifty before being cleaned up by Siraj while Kyle Verreynne also fell quickly.

Elgar’s impressive innings at 140 off 211 balls with 23 fours propelled South Africa to conclude the day on a positive note, reaching a score of 256 for the loss of five and securing a lead of 11 runs. As the match unfolds, India is now confronted with a formidable task to catch up on the third day. On the other hand, South Africa firmly maintains a favorable position.

Top Performers of the Day

Dean Elger (140 of 211)

Day two of the game belonged entirely to the experienced batter Dean Elgar. He scored a brilliant century on a pitch offering something for the pace bowlers. Displaying remarkable resilience and class, he concluded the day unbeaten at 140 with 23 fours. He will undoubtedly be eager to build on this century and convert it into a substantial innings.

Jasprit Bumrah (2/48, 16 overs)

From the Indian perspective, Jasprit Bumrah stood out as the lone standout performer. While almost all the other bowlers struggled against the Proteas batters, Bumrah displayed his class by claiming two crucial wickets on day two. His efforts were vital in keeping the Indian team in the match on a day that was thoroughly dominated by the Proteas batters.