Kolkatta: Jasprit Bumrah’s fiery spell demolished South Africa for a paltry 159 on the opening day of the first Test at Eden Gardens, putting India firmly in command despite Yashasvi Jaiswal’s continued struggle against the Proteas pace attack.
After Temba Bavuma opted to bat, the visitors raced to 57 without loss in just 10.3 overs, stunning the packed stadium. But Bumrah (5-35) triggered a spectacular collapse, claiming his 16th Test five-wicket haul by ripping through the middle and tail. Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Siraj chipped in with two wickets each, while Axar Patel grabbed one as South Africa lost their last eight wickets for just 102 runs.
India’s reply began shakily when Jaiswal, still haunted by his horror tour of South Africa (50 runs in four innings), was cleaned up by Marco Jansen for 12. Washington Sundar, preferred over debutant Sai Sudharsan at No 3 amid much debate, joined KL Rahul and the pair batted sensibly through 14 overs against Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer. At the stumps, India reached 37 for 1— trailing by only 122 with nine wickets in hand.
Bumrah’s mastery and a disciplined fightback from Rahul-Sundar ensured the hosts ended the day on top as Test cricket returned to the iconic Eden Gardens after six years.