And it’s an end for Day 1 for the Capetown Test, with India’s first innings score being 223 and South Africa on the crease with the score of 17 for 1. Virat and Pujara’s contribution to India’s score has managed to boost up the bowler’s confidence to take an early wicket towards the end of Day 1.
Jasprit Bumrah took his first wicket for the 3rd Test, forcing captain Elgar to nick onto Pujara’s hands. Elgar’s thick edge allowed the Kohli-led team to get back in the game. With one captain back in form, and another going back to the pavilion very early, the final game of this series looks unpredictable for the fans to judge the winner. Once again the game of cricket has proved to us why the Test format remains special, as every session changes the demand for the respective teams.
Aiden Markram remains not out with Keshav Maharaj coming in as nightwatchman for team South Africa. The surface till now has encouraged the seamers to take wickets as the bounce remains statistically consistent. Day 1 sends back 11 players to the pavilion with the day in favour of the hosts.
The tourists as per statistics haven’t been able to score a good total but the early wicket and Kohli back as captain signs the hint of a competitive Day 2 tomorrow. With South Africa’s captain gone, the “not so experienced” players are yet to showcase. With the previous match’s man of the match going back to the pavilion, all eyes are on Keegan Petersen who looks in good form and might help his team to chase this trail.
Jasprit Bumrah has till now bowled 4 overs, with all 4 going for a maiden and a wicket in the bag (Bumrah: 4-4-0-7). With Kohli’s 79 being today’s best performance, Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada remain on the talks of sending team India back early, restricting a below-par total (statistically). Day 2 will be furious and ruthless as Indian pacers are all set for a bang on show, assisted by Ashwin who is backed up by Virat’s confidence.
