Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar asserted that the pitch and the new-age batting were the major reasons behind 23 wickets falling on the opening day of the second Test at Newlands in Cape Town.
The opening day of the Test between India and South Africa was dominated by the pacers as 22 wickets were taken by them while the two teams didn’t even use their spinners throughout the day.
The maximum number of wickets lost on Day 1 of a Test is 25 and that happened in an Ashes Test back in 1902.
The day started with a brilliant spell by Mohammed Siraj who claimed a six-fer to dismantle Proteas batting line-up as they were bundled out for just 55. In reply, India were 153 for 4 before losing six wickets without the addition of a single run in a space of 11 deliveries to end with a 98-run lead. It didn’t stop there as South Africa lost three wickets at stumps with 62 runs on the scoreboard.
Manjrekar suggested that the batters didn’t focus much on their defence as they are used to playing the white-ball formats more.
“I think it’s got a lot to do with the pitch. It’s got a bit to do with the new-age batting that’s maybe not focusing on defence as much, understandably because Test cricket has been the third format when it comes to priority. So if there’s a bit of life in the pitch, then these things happen. It was almost like the bowlers were wearing a cape in Cape Town,” said Manjrekar on Star Sports.
Siraj got good support from Mukesh Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah in the first innings as they took two wickets each. Meanwhile, for South Africa, Kagiso Rabada, Nandre Burger and Lungi Ngidi shared three wickets each.
“One of the interesting things is, 55 all out for South Africa but when you look at the bowling attack, Siraj bowled superbly and Mukesh Kumar supported him. So, two bowlers hit their straps. Even for South Africa, Rabada was good. When you see scores like this with collapses on both sides, you would think that all four bowlers were at the top of the game,” Manjrekar added.
