India seize control as Bumrah destroys South Africa on opening day

OOPS … that didn’t go as planned at all! South Africa has a lot to do after the first day of the Kolkata Test when their innings unravelled quickly, and India took full advantage, closing on 37/1 after bowling the visitors out for just 159. 

Jasprit Bumrah was at the heart of it, taking a five-wicket haul that underlined why he remains the world’s leading fast bowler.

South Africa had made a confident start after choosing to bat. Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton looked organised in their opening stand of 57, and at 114/3 the innings seemed well placed. But the momentum vanished in a collapse that saw the last seven wickets fall for only 45 runs. 

Bumrah drove the turnaround, with Kuldeep Yadav providing important support and Mohammed Siraj recovering well after a tough opening session.

India lost Yashasvi Jaiswal early in their reply, but KL Rahul and Washington Sundar ensured no further damage before stumps. Sundar, promoted to No.3, settled in calmly and will resume alongside Rahul on day two. India is in a strong position and trails by 122 with nine wickets in hand.

Only 77 overs were bowled in the day – a slow grind of 196 runs at a combined run rate of 2.55 – but the accolades belonged overwhelmingly to India. South Africa’s batters could not turn their starts into something more substantial, and the pitch already offering assistance to bowlers only added to the pressure.

For the Proteas, day two will demand a far stronger response with the ball. India, meanwhile, has already placed itself in a commanding position.