India pacer Jasprit Bumrah delivered a crucial breakthrough moments before the tea break, bowling Aiden Markram for 38, as South Africa went into the interval at 82/1 on Day 1 of the second Test in Guwahati on Saturday.
Markram, who had earlier enjoyed a slice of luck when KL Rahul dropped a straightforward catch at second slip off Bumrah in the seventh over, could not capitalise for long. The Indian spearhead returned in the 27th over to breach the opener’s defence and give India a much-needed opening in the series decider.
At the opposite end, Ryan Rickelton remained unbeaten on 35, looking assured as he anchored the innings after captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and elected to bat on a bright morning at the Barsapara Stadium.
At the toss, South Africa captain Temba Bavuma opted to bat first, expecting the surface at the Barsapara Stadium to offer consistent bounce and become tougher for batting as the match progresses. India, led by stand-in skipper Rishabh Pant, were happy to bowl first, banking on early movement for their seamers in overcast morning conditions.
South Africa will aim to build on their solid start, while India search for early inroads in the extended first session after lunch.
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