SA vs IND 2nd Test: Mohammad Siraj takes a Fifer

On the opening day of the current second Test in Cape Town, India struck four times in the first ten overs, leaving South Africa reeling. Mohammed Siraj made early inroads. Siraj proved to be India’s main wrecker when the Proteas won the toss and chose to bat; the Indians having lost the first Test in Centurion last week by an innings and 32 runs.

In his opening over, Siraj dismissed Aiden Markram (2), Dean Elgar (4), and Tony de Zorzi (2). Siraj went on to dismiss Marco Jansen and Kyle Verrynne to finish with his third five for in Test cricket Fans have been overjoyed after Siraj’s magical spell shattered South Africa’s batting lineup: Three changes were made by South Africa, including the addition of new cap Tristan Stubbs, who was supposed to bat at number four instead of Keegan Petersen according to the squad sheet.

Gerald Coetzee and Temba Bavuma, who were both injured, were replaced by left arm spinner Keshav Maharaj and fast bowler Lungi Ngidi. India chose to replace fellow spin bowler Ravichandran Ashwin with the fit again Ravindra Jadeja, and Shardul Thakur with seam bowler Mukesh Kumar. “We’re in a great position after winning the first Test, but we’re very mindful of starting well,” said South African captain Dean Elgar, who is playing in his last Test match.

Indian captain Rohit Sharma said he would also have batted first. “We are quite upbeat about what we can achieve here,” he said..