Indian speedster Mohammed Siraj wreaked havoc on South Africa’s batting line-up on the opening day of the second and final Test in Cape Town. Siraj finished with the outstanding figures of 6/15 in 9 overs to help Team India restrict the Proteas to 55 runs in the 24th over on Wednesday, January 3.
Apart from David Bedingham (12) and Kyle Verreynne (15), none of the Proteas batters could touch a double-digit score, and it was the comeback the Indian cricket team needed after a shocking innings and 32-run defeat in the first Test in Centurion.
Jasprit Bumrah and Muesh Kumar each claimed two wickets on day one of the second Test. After Indian bowlers rattled South Africa, former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar credited India's pace prowess to the influential impact of legendary Kapil Dev.
Siraj's exceptional performance in Cape Town showcased India's formidable pace bowling strength. This dominant display reiterated India's prowess as one of the best pace bowling teams in the world.
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Sunil Gavaskar said on Star Sports: “All thanks to Kapil Dev. He has shown that in India you don't necessarily have to be a spin bowler. Even in Indian pitches one can take wicket. Of course, when you go to wickets like South Africa, England Australia, New Zealand, you will get lot more assistance as a new ball bowler. Since then India have produced a range of fast bowlers.”
The legendary batter further noted, “But particularly in the last 10-12 years, thanks to the IPL, there are a lot of fast bowlers who have come to the fore. Now India have a bench strength of fast bowlers which probably is going to be the envy of the cricket world. There are left-handers, right-handers, there is so much of talent available if any of these guys want to take a break.”
Gavaskar signed off by saying, “You saw when Jasprit Bumrah was not present, how Indian bowlers came in and performed. particularly Mohammed Shami. I think this will be a tribute to Kapil Dev. I also think for the first time in many, many years India will win a match on his birthday on January 6.”
(With Star Sports/PTI Inputs)
