NEW DELHI: An astounding 23 wickets fell, leaving both teams grappling with the unpredictable nature of the pitch on the opening day of the second Test between India and South Africa at Cape Town's Newlands.
South African skipper Dean Elgar, despite facing dismissals of 4 and 12 in his final Test, refrained from categorizing the pitch as "bad" but acknowledged its challenging aspects.
"I cannot say that (the pitch is bad) because personally, I have had success on wickets that have gone around. My record on our wickets has been pretty good," stated Elgar, emphasizing the fine balance needed between bat and ball.
He acknowledged the difficulty but stressed the importance of batters applying themselves mentally and adhering to disciplined game plans.
Reflecting on the varied bounce on different ends of the pitch, Elgar commented on the differences at Wynberg End and Calvin Grove End.
1/10:2nd Test: India in control after wickets tumble in Cape Town
Reuters
2/10:Record-breaking wickets fall
23 wickets fell on the first day of the second and final Test at Newlands on Wednesday.Getty Images
3/10:Mohammed Siraj's sensational spell
<p>Mohammed Siraj produced a sensational career-best spell of six for 15 as South Africa were bowled out for 55 before lunch after choosing to bat first.</p>Reuters
4/10:South Africa's lowest total in 92 years
South Africa's total was their lowest in almost 92 years, since they were bowled out for 36 and 45 by Australia in February 1932.AFP
5/10:India take commanding lead
<p>India cruised into the lead in 9.4 overs, before the afternoon drinks break.</p>AFP
6/10:Dramatic collapse of Indian batting
The tourists seemed set for a substantial advantage when they reached 153 for four. But the remaining six wickets fell for no runs in 11 balls.AFP
7/10:Elgar's disappointing farewell
Stand-in South African captain Dean Elgar was dismissed twice on the first day of his final Test match.AFP
8/10:Aiden Markram's resilience
Aiden Markram made just two in the first innings but was more in command in the second innings and was unbeaten on 36 at the close.AFP
9/10:South Africa lead the series 1-0
South Africa won the first Test in Centurion by an innings and 32 runs in a match which lasted only three days.Reuters
10/10:Anticipation for a shorter match
The second Test match is expected to be shorter, adding to the excitement.AFP"There was a lot steeper bounce that way (from where Ngidi bowled). And that side, it was a little bit lower. So I do not know what to make of it," he said, expressing uncertainty about the pitch's behavior.
Despite managing only 55 in their first innings, Elgar commended India for putting the ball in the right areas.
"As a batter, you have to play the way Virat (Kohli), Aiden (Makram), and Rohit (Sharma) applied themselves," he advised. Elgar highlighted the need for batters to take calculated risks and aim for rewards.
"I can't predict what will happen on the second day," Elgar commented, emphasizing the unpredictability of the pitch.
With South Africa reaching 62/3 at stumps on Day 1, trailing by 36 runs, the match promises more intriguing cricket. The teams will vie for control in the final Test of the series as they navigate the challenging conditions at Newlands.
(With inputs from ANI)
