Kuldeep Yadav Analyzes Guwahati Pitch After Day 2 of Test Against South Africa

Guwahati Pitch Assessment by Kuldeep Yadav

Guwahati (Assam) [India], November 23: Following the second day of the final Test match against South Africa at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Indian leg spinner Kuldeep Yadav shared his insights on the pitch conditions.

In the first innings, South Africa scored a formidable 489 runs, capitalizing on a pitch that provided minimal assistance to the Indian bowlers. The visitors batted for an impressive 151.1 overs, with India struggling to secure wickets consistently.

During the post-match press briefing, Kuldeep remarked on the batting-friendly nature of the Guwahati pitch. He noted that there was limited turn available, and he and Jadeja had discussed the surface extensively.

"I experienced a slight turn in the first session, but overall, it was excellent for batting. There was hardly any turn yesterday or today. Today was particularly favorable for batting, as I barely got any turn. Jadeja and I talked about it, and we both agreed that the pitch was conducive for batting. I felt we bowled well in the first session, which was crucial," Kuldeep explained.

He continued, "We conceded 61-62 runs in the first session, which was commendable. However, as the second session progressed, the score mounted, and Marco Jansen capitalized on the good wicket, showcasing impressive batting. This often occurs when partnerships flourish, and the opposing team is in a strong position, allowing them to take advantage of the good batting conditions. Although our bowlers put in significant effort, the pitch did not offer much help, and South Africa batted well," he added.

Kuldeep emphasized the importance of bowling in the right areas and strategically using the field when the pitch favors batting. "When conditions are favorable, it’s essential to bowl accurately and set the field according to your strategy. We did well in setting up the field, but once they established a solid total, they became more aggressive. They were fortunate in that regard, but we aimed to challenge them in the air. Jansen and Muthuswamy played exceptionally well, particularly in the first session," he stated.

In terms of match progress, South Africa's first innings concluded with 489 runs, highlighted by Senuran Muthusamy's maiden Test century and Marco Jansen's 93 runs, putting India under pressure after two days of hard work on the field.

Initially, the Proteas, who ended Day 1 at 247-6, began Day 2 strongly, with no wickets falling in the first session as they reached 316-6, frustrating the Indian bowlers with Muthusamy (56*) and Verreynne (38*) at the crease.

After the tea break, Ravindra Jadeja dismissed Kyle Verreynne for 45, allowing Jansen to join Muthuswamy, where they formed a formidable partnership. Muthuswamy achieved his maiden Test century in 192 balls, while Jansen reached his fifty in just 53 balls, contributing to an unbeaten 94-run partnership by lunch.

Resuming from 428/7 after tea, Mohammed Siraj took Muthuswamy's wicket for 109 runs. Following this, Jansen accelerated his scoring, hitting two sixes off Jadeja and a boundary and six off Siraj.

Jasprit Bumrah claimed Simon Harmer's wicket, marking South Africa's ninth wicket at 462, before Kuldeep dismissed Jansen for 93, concluding the visitors' innings at 483.

At the end of Day 2, South Africa bowled 6.1 overs with India at 9-0. Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal (7) and KL Rahul (2) were at the crease.

Brief Scores: India 9-0 (Yashasvi Jaiswal 7, KL Rahul 2) vs South Africa 489-10 (Senuran Muthuswamy 107, Marco Jansen 93; Kuldeep Yadav 4-115).