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The first Test between India and South Africa at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, has been a thrilling contest so far. South Africa won the toss and opted to bat, getting off to a steady start with some solid batting before Jasprit Bumrah turned the tide with a brilliant piece of fast bowling. On Day 1, South Africa were cruising at 57/1 when Bumrah delivered a game-changing ball to dismiss Ryan Rickelton.
IND vs SA: Jasprit Bumrah strikes with a perfect delivery to dismiss Ryan Rickelton
Bumrah’s brilliance with the ball came to the forefront as he bowled a spectacular length delivery to remove Rickelton. The ball was bowled at a pace of 140.7 kph, landing just on off stump, and it moved away ever so slightly off the seam. The late movement was enough to deceive Rickelton, who played down the wrong line, expecting the ball to either go straight or swing in.
But instead, the ball gently moved away and struck his off stump, sending the bails flying. Rickelton had been looking solid at the crease, having faced just 22 balls and scored 23 runs, including four boundaries. Bumrah’s exceptional delivery broke the solid partnership between Rickelton and Aiden Markram, and South Africa’s promising start was halted. This wicket was a testament to Bumrah’s skill in the longer format of the game, especially in the first session, where his discipline and accuracy were on full display.
Here’s the video:
A moment of pure magic from Jasprit Bumrah! 💙
One cracking delivery, one stunned batter and India strike early with a big breakthrough. 👊🇮🇳 1st Test LIVE NOW 👉— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia)
IND vs SA: South Africa’s top order struggles against India’s attack on Day 1 of Kolkata Test
South Africa got off to a shaky start as their top order was tested early. Aiden Markram, who had looked solid, was dismissed for 31 after edging a ball from Bumrah to Rishabh Pant behind the stumps. Rickelton had also started well with 23 but fell to Bumrah’s brilliance, leaving South Africa at 57/2. Temba Bavuma, South Africa’s captain, walked in with the hopes of stabilizing the innings, but after facing just 11 balls, he was dismissed for a mere 3, caught by Dhruv Jurel off Kuldeep Yadav’s bowling.
The dismissals left South Africa in a precarious position, at 71/3, with Wiaan Mulder and Tony de Zorzi at the crease. While Mulder has shown some resilience, South Africa’s batting depth will be tested further with the likes of Tristan Stubbs and Kyle Verreynne still to come. India’s strategy of using four spinners, including the inclusion of Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav, appears to be working well on a surface offering some turn, further putting pressure on the South African middle order.
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