South Africa batter Corbin Bosch could do nothing after India pacer Jasprit Bumrah cleaned him up with a stunning delivery on Day 3 (Sunday, November 16) of the first Test at the Eden Gardens.
The fast bowler provided an early breakthrough in the morning by breaking the stand between Bosch and Temba Bavuma.
The visiting team resumed the third day’s play at 93/7 with Bosch and Bavuma at the crease. On Day 2, left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja picked up four wickets in the second innings, while spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel also chipped in with key wickets. Bumrah didn’t pick up any wickets yesterday.
Jasprit Bumrah Uproots Corbin Bosch’s Off Stump With an Absolute Beauty
Jasprit Bumrah provided the breakthrough on the first ball of the 48th over in South Africa’s second innings. He bowled a superb delivery that uprooted Corbin Bosch’s off stump and ended a crucial 44-run partnership.
The ball seemed to be back from a good length and went through the gap between Bosch’s bat and pad. Notably, the wicket came at an important time, as South Africa were building resistance.
Bosch, who had fought hard for his 25 off 37 balls, misjudged the movement and paid the price as Bumrah claimed his first wicket of the innings and sixth of the match. South Africa lost their eighth wicket with a lead of 105, handing India early momentum on the third morning.
Jasprit Bumrah Claims Five-Wicket Haul on Day 1 of Kolkata Test
Jasprit Bumrah picked up a five-wicket haul on Day 1 of the Kolkata Test. He delivered a superb spell of 5/27 that helped India dismiss South Africa for just 159. The visitors had made a strong start after choosing to bat, reaching 57 without loss.
Jasprit Bumrah shifted the momentum by removing Ryan Rickelton and Aiden Markram in quick succession. The double blow halted South Africa’s early momentum, and they struggled to recover thereafter.
The Indian pacer continued to dominate, trapping Tony de Zorzi, Simon Harmer, and Keshav Maharaj leg-before to complete a five-wicket haul. With support from the rest of the attack, Bumrah ensured South Africa’s innings never regained stability.
Don’t Think 120 Is Going to Be a Big Issue – Sanjay Bangar
Former batting coach Sanjay Bangar Sanjay Bangar believes India would be comfortable chasing a target close to 120 in the Kolkata Test, given their batting depth.
Speaking on ESPNcricinfo, Bangar stated that South Africa would need to push the score toward 150 to genuinely trouble the hosts. Bangar added that anything below 120 should leave India confident of sealing the chase, while a 150 target could make things more competitive.
“Even if they [South Africa] get to 120, and that would take a massive effort from the remaining batters, Indian team does have depth in their batting line-up. Don’t think 120 is going to be a big issue for the Indian team. If it goes above 150, that would be a challenging score. They would feel very confident of chasing anything under 120.”