The Proteas have put India under immense pressure in the ongoing Test series, with their lower order proving particularly difficult to dislodge. After South Africa posted a formidable 489 in their first innings, former Indian cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara has questioned the Indian bowlers' performance, suggesting they allowed the tourists to score too many runs.
South Africa's Tenacity Frustrates India
On Day 2, South Africa's resilience was evident as they batted for almost six sessions, racking up a significant total. Jasprit Bumrah's early breakthrough on Sunday morning offered a glimmer of hope, but Kyle Verreynne's solid defense signaled a long and challenging day ahead for the Indian bowlers. The initial plan to quickly dismiss the remaining wickets was met with stubborn resistance.
The first two hours were a masterclass in control, with South Africa achieving a control percentage of 94.3, their highest of the tour. However, this control didn't always translate into runs, as Verreynne and Senuran Muthusamy focused on survival. India's bowlers, who had exploited the conditions on Day 1, found batting conditions had improved significantly on Day 2.
Kuldeep Yadav's Strategy and India's Adaptation
Kuldeep Yadav hinted at a change in strategy, emphasizing the need to vary his pace. India's bowlers adjusted their lengths, bowling shorter deliveries more frequently in an attempt to restrict South Africa's scoring opportunities. This adaptation was aimed at preventing the Proteas from capitalizing on the favorable batting conditions.
Pujara's Criticism
Cheteshwar Pujara expressed his disappointment with India's bowling performance, stating that allowing South Africa to reach 489 was excessive. He highlighted that India had taken six wickets relatively cheaply on Day 1 and should have prevented the lower order from adding so many runs. "489 is too many, especially since a lot of runs were scored for the last four wickets," Pujara remarked.
He suggested that limiting South Africa to around 350 runs would have been a more acceptable outcome, considering the early breakthroughs. The Proteas' lower order, led by Senuran Muthusamy's impressive 109, frustrated India's bowlers and ultimately put them in a commanding position in the Test match.
- South Africa's lower order defied India's bowling attack.
- Pujara criticizes India for conceding too many runs.
- Kuldeep Yadav adjusted bowling strategy on Day 2.