NEW DELHI: With 23 wickets falling on a rollercoaster opening day of the second Test between South Africa and India in Cape Town, the pitch at the Newlands became a huge talking point on Wednesday.
After South Africa skittled to their lowest score since being readmitted to Test cricket in 1991, India middle and lower order imploded -- six wickets fell for 0 runs in 11 balls -- as pacers had a gala time on a surface that offered seam movement and variable bounce.
Amid a frenetic opening day, the social media was abuzz with chatter related to the playing surface.
From cricket pundits to fans, the Newlands pitch had a variety of opinions, ranging from criticism to applause for the bowlers to the fighting spirit of a handful of batters.
At the close of play on Day 1, South Africa reached 62 for 3 in its second innings, trailing by 36 runs overall, with Aiden Markram unbeaten on 36 and David Bedingham seven not out.
South Africa have an unassailable 1-0 lead in the 2-Test series.
