Former Proteas pacer Dale Steyn has praised the South African side for dominating the Indian team for the first three days of the ongoing second Test in Guwahati. South Africa, leading the two-Test series 1-0, is on the verge of creating history.
India was bowled out for 201 runs in reply to the Proteas’ first innings score of 489 runs. Washington Sundar (48) and his 72-run partnership with Kuldeep Yadav (19) helped India recover from 122/7. Marco Jansen starred with the ball, taking six wickets, while Simon Harmer took three wickets.
Instead of asking India to follow on, Temba Bavuma decided to bat again, and the visitors ended day three on 26/0, with a lead of 314 days.
"It's rare to witness a visiting side dominate three days of cricket in India like this. South Africa got off to a good start by winning the toss and choosing to bat first, a decision that paid off. Since then, every move they've made—whether in terms of batting application or bowling management—has been spot on. In my view, their strategy and execution in these Guwahati conditions have outshined India's efforts," said Steyn on JioStar.
While South Africa already earned praise after winning in Kolkata, their first Test win in India since 2010, if they win the Guwahati Test as well, this will be their first Test series win in India since 2000, when Hansie Cronje’s team defeated India 2-0.
This will also be India’s second whitewash at home in a Test series, after New Zealand’s 0-3 thrashing in November 2024. India had not lost a home Test series since 2012, and now has fallen badly since Gautam Gambhir took over as head coach.
"There were a few nervy moments with edges flying past the bat, but overall South Africa got off to a solid start. Rickelton even managed a boundary off Bumrah, who has bowled over 30 overs in demanding conditions.
Considering Bumrah has been on the field for 150 overs and has only spent 80 in the shed, having to come back out to bowl again is a tough ask for him and Siraj while the spinners rest. South Africa is clearly in a commanding position in this match. When Temba Bavuma ran off the field, it was evident that the last hour of play would be challenging for the batsmen," added Steyn.
He also felt South Africa's decision to bat again in the game and not enforce a follow-on was the right one.
"The decision to continue batting was the right one—aiming to stay positive, take calculated risks, and if a wicket falls, so be it. Tomorrow provides a full day of batting in more favorable conditions, offering an opportunity to build on this position," concluded Steyn.
(IANS inputs)
