South Africa won session two of day two in the 1st Test against India, with Senuran Muthusamy, Vernon Philander, Dean Elgar and Keshav Maharaj’s wickets standing out as the top moments, writes Khalid Mohidin.
Vernon Philander kick-started the session with a sensational first ball after lunch. Simplicity is a thing of beauty and Philander proved this by producing the perfect outswinger that curved past Cheteshwar Pujara’s attempted defensive shot and crashed into his off stump.
Although India were only reduced to 324/3 and on course to post a massive total, it gave the Proteas some reward for their hard work in the India heat.
But the highlight of the session would have to go to Muthusamy, who took a dream maiden Test wicket on his debut. The spinning all-rounder drew India captain Virat Kohli into a lazy shot that he lobbed back to the bowler who completed the catch, with a celebration to match.
The prize wicket, however, remained Mayank Agarwal who continued to frustrate the Proteas. His double-step straight drive for a maximum off a quality Keshav Maharaj delivery in the 111th over was evidence of the Proteas’ struggle.
Agarwal had a dream debut, turning a maiden century into a double one, reaching the milestone in 358 balls.
Maharaj then picked up his second after brilliant captaincy from Faf du Plessis, who fooled the batsman by placing the man with the helmet on Rahane’s offside. Aware of this, Rahane attempted an attacking shot but skewed the delivery to Bavuma at cover.
The introduction of Dean Elgar saw the end of Agarwal, after 215 runs off 371 balls (23 fours; 6 sixes). Elgar’s low-dipping full toss drew Algarwal into the slog sweep and he directed it straight to Piedt at deep midwicket. This caused confusion amongst fans as to why Du Plessis never brought on the part-time spinner earlier.
This session saw 36 overs, 126 runs and four wickets fall.
India (1st innings) 450/5 – Mayank Agarwal (215), Rohit Sharma (176); Senuran Muthusamy (1/63), Keshav Maharaj 2/167, Dean Elgar 1/4)
Photo: Espncricinfo/Twitter
