The World Test Champions registered famous win at Eden Gardens on November 16th. India vs South Africa 1st Test at Eden Gardens ended in a historic defeat for India. South Africa won by 30 runs, claiming their first Test victory in India in 15 years. Last win for SA in India in Tests was in 2010. India, chasing a modest target of 124, collapsed to 93 all out, marking their lowest fourth-innings total at home in a Test match.
The defeat has raised questions about India’s approach at home, pitch conditions and skillset against the quality spin attack.
India vs South Africa 1st Test: Pitch & Conditions
The Eden Gardens pitch offered variable bounce and sideways movement from day 1. Critics raised questions on the pitch from day 1 including Indian local media. On the other hand Indian coach Gautam Gambhir defended it, stating the team’s struggle was more mental than technical.
As per this report indian coach Gautam Gambhir defended it, and stated as “There was no demon in this wicket. It was not an unplayable one” He further added “This was not a typical turning track. Majority of the wickets were claimed by the seamers.”
South Africa’s 1st Inning Struggle: Bavuma leads the way in 2nd Inning
All South African team went to pavilion in first inning at a total score of 159. All Batsman struggled, and highest score was from Markram, who scored 31 runs off 48 balls.
From India’s bowling side, Jasprit Bumrah took another five-wickets haul and finishing 5/27. He got very good support from Siraj 2/47, and Kuldeep Yadav 2/36.
At the end of 2nd day’s play, South Africa was 93-7, with lead of 63 runs. India was in commanding position. But Captain Bavuma showed very good defense and overall played really good cricket, and scored 55* not out. He took his team to 153/10 in 2nd inning with lead of 123 runs. South Africa put a fighting target for India.
Bavuma and Corbin Bosch 25(37) had a partnership off 44 runs which helped SA to reach to the fighting total.
Ravindra Jadeja took 4 wickets in second innings. Kuldeep and Siraj finished with 2 wickets each.
India’s First Inning Lead: Collapse in 2nd Inning Failed to Chase 124
India scored 189/10 runs in first inning of test. However, Indian batters also struggled to score runs, with KL Rahul 39(119) was the highest scorer of first inning. Indian Skipper Shubman Gill ruled out of Match after nick injury in first inning.
India took invaluable first inning lead of 30 runs at this bowler friendly pitch.
South African spinner Harmer 4/30 and fast bowler Marco Jansen 3/35 leads the way for South African bowlers in first inning.
Chasing 124 without Captain Gill, Indian team collapsed at 93/9 runs. South Africa defeat India in Tests first time since 2010 in India.
Simon Harmer again took 4 tickets and conceded 21 runs. Jansen and Keshav Maharaj both took 2-2 wickets.
Looking Ahead
South Africa leads the two-Test series 1-0, putting India under immense pressure. India should give better wickets in Tests in home series. So we can have good contest and at least we can see 5 days test match.
South Africa will come with confidence to win the series in Guwahati, whereas for India pitch preparation, team selection, and leadership choices will all come under scrutiny.
