Kolkata, Nov 15 (UN) The afternoon session of Day 2 at the Eden Gardens belonged to Simon Harmer, whose incisive spin bowling turned the game firmly in South Africa’s favour.
By tea, India’s innings had crumbled to 189 for 9 in 62.2 overs, with Harmer claiming key wickets and exploiting the vulnerabilities of the lower order. His sharp deliveries sent back Dhruv Jurel and Axar Patel, while Ravindra Jadeja had earlier been trapped LBW off Harmer’s off-spin after a review failed to overturn the decision.
The left-arm spinner’s combination of flight, bounce, and precise line ensured that India could not recover from a promising start, leaving the tail exposed in a dramatic collapse.
Earlier in the innings, India had shown glimpses of control and attacking intent. KL Rahul top-scored with 39, Rishabh Pant contributed 27, and Washington Sundar impressed with 29, hitting a six and multiple boundaries.
Shubman Gill had retired hurt at 79 for 2 after an aggressive sweep shot, and the middle-order showed flashes of resistance. But once Harmer found his rhythm, wickets fell rapidly.
Axar Patel added 16 before being caught by Marco Jansen, Dhruv Jurel was caught-and-bowled by Harmer for 14, Mohammed Siraj was bowled by Marco Jansen, and Kuldeep Yadav managed only a single before being caught by Kyle Verreynne.
Extras contributed 11 runs, but India’s lower order could not withstand the pressure.
South Africa began their second innings cautiously, reaching 18 for 1 in 6.4 overs at tea. Kuldeep Yadav struck immediately, removing Rickelton LBW for 11 in the 6th over of the innings.
Jasprit Bumrah bowled tightly, conceding just four runs off a boundary and a leg-bye, keeping the visitors under check. Aiden Markram remained at the crease on 3, tasked with steadying South Africa’s innings as the game entered a pivotal phase.
Harmer’s spell highlighted the importance of tactical spin in conditions that offered uneven bounce, while India’s collapse underscored how quickly a strong platform can unravel under pressure.
The remainder of Day 2 promises to be decisive, as South Africa seek to capitalize on the breakthroughs and India attempt to regroup, wary of losing control in the Test’s crucial middle session.
India Collapse to 189/9, Harmer Strikes in Afternoon Session
