On January 4 in Cape Town, South Africa were dismissed for a meager total of 55 on the first morning of the second Test, thanks to an outstanding spell of fast bowling by Mohammed Siraj (6/15).
Siraj captured all six of his wickets in his opening nine over with the new ball, capitalizing on the favourable conditions to disrupt the Proteas batting order.
Siraj caused anarchy as only Kyle Verreyne and David Bedingham reached double figures after deciding to bat. Siraj’s tenure exerted such an influence that Jasprit Bumrah was, in contrast, diminished to a supporting role. Mukesh Kumar, making his début, increased his totals with a pair of wickets taken in the closing stages.
The procession commenced in the fourth over when Aiden Markram edged to slide on a corker. Dean Elgar then sliced one onto the stumps, thereby providing India with an ideal start to the match.
The caliber of the rapid bowling that was being offered thereafter caused South African batsmen to lose wickets at regular intervals. Siraj delivered one that David Bedingham took for a considerable distance, while Marco Jansen took a full-length outswinger that finished his work late. Siraj’s five-wicket haul for India was the third least expensive after Jansen’s dismissal.
South Africa’s lowest Test total since readmission was 55 all out. Despite the fast bowlers benefiting from the pitch, the hosts face a loaded odds due to the low total.
