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News India Live, Digital Desk: For cricket lovers, a Test match is no less than a festival, and when the match is held at the historic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, the excitement automatically doubles. The first day of the first Test match between India and South Africa was exactly what a great Test match day should be – dominance of fast bowlers, struggle of batsmen and then a story of a spectacular comeback.
The day was a complete roller-coaster ride, with India at times having the upper hand and South Africa making a comeback.
First session: When Bumrah-Siraj wreaked havoc
In the morning, when captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and decided to bowl first on a damp pitch and cloudy weather, it seemed no less than a masterstroke. Indian fast bowlers, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj proved this decision 100% correct. With his swing and seam, he did not give the South African batsmen a chance to stay on the crease.
Wickets kept falling one after the other and within no time the top order of the visiting team disintegrated. By lunch, more than half the team had returned to the pavilion. The first session of the day was completely dominated by the Indian bowlers, who prevented South Africa from reaching a big score.
Second session: India’s shaky start
After the brilliant performance of the Indian bowlers, when Team India came to bat, it seemed that they would easily get a big lead. But cricket is not called a game of uncertainties for nothing. South Africa’s fast bowlers also did not give up and made a strong comeback.
India’s openers soon returned to the pavilion, and within a short time the middle order also came under pressure. Spinners like Keshav Maharaj also took full advantage of the help provided by the pitch. At one time it seemed that the progress that was being expected might remain a dream. By tea time, the match was completely tied.
Third session: Partnership of ‘King’ and ‘Class’
Whenever Team India is in trouble, the nation’s eyes turn to its two most reliable batsmen – Virat Kohli and KL Rahul. And today once again both of them proved why they are called players of big matches.
On one hand, Virat Kohli showed the perfect blend of composure and aggression in his usual style, while on the other end, KL Rahul stood like a rock. Together, they handled the innings slowly, sent the bad balls out of the boundary and did not give any chance to the South African bowlers to dominate.
How was the condition of the first day?
By the end of the first day’s play, India had achieved a respectable position in response to South Africa’s score, although they were still slightly behind the visitors’ total. The unbeaten partnership of Virat Kohli and KL Rahul at the crease has raised hopes in the Indian camp.
This day perfectly captures the beauty of Test cricket – sometimes one team is on top, sometimes the other. Now the game of the second day will depend on how long this partnership of Kohli and Rahul lasts and whether India is able to gain a decisive lead or not. This test match now stands at a very exciting juncture.
