Historic Partnership Propels South Africa in Second Test Against India

Muthusamy and Jansen Lead the Charge

In a remarkable display, South African all-rounder Senuran Muthusamy became the third player from his country to score a Test century while batting at number seven or lower against India on their home turf. His partnership with Marco Jansen, who contributed a dynamic fifty, was pivotal in the second session. Together, they forged a 94-run alliance, significantly boosting South Africa's aspirations for a Test series victory in India, a feat they haven't achieved in 25 years. By the end of the second session on day two of the second Test in Guwahati, the Proteas had surpassed the 400-run mark.

Muthusamy's impressive innings of 107 not out off 203 balls, featuring 10 boundaries and two sixes, places him alongside Quinton de Kock (111 in Visakhapatnam, 2019) and Lance Klusener (102 not out in Cape Town, 1997) as the only South African batters to score a Test century from the seventh position or lower against India. This match also marks the first instance where two players from South Africa batting at number seven or lower have both scored over fifty runs in a Test innings against India. Under the guidance of coach Gautam Gambhir, the Indian team is facing challenges, as this is only the second occurrence in 13 years where two visiting players have achieved this feat in India, the previous instance being Liam Dawson (66 not out) and Adil Rashid (60) at Chepauk in 2016.

South Africa's Dominance in the Second Session

By the conclusion of the second session, South Africa had established a strong position at 428 for 7 after 137 overs, with Muthusamy (107 not out) and Jansen (51 not out) at the crease. The visitors resumed the session at 316 for 6, with Muthusamy on 56 and wicketkeeper Kyle Verreyne on 38.

Recap of Day 1

Earlier in the match, South Africa won the toss and opted to bat first. Aiden Markram (38) and Ryan Rickelton (35) formed a solid opening partnership, adding 82 runs. However, they were dismissed by Bumrah and Kuldeep, leaving South Africa at 82 for 2. Tristan Stubbs (49 off 112 balls) and captain Temba Bavuma (41 off 92 balls) made promising starts but failed to convert them into bigger scores. Kuldeep Yadav (3 for 72) and Mohammed Siraj (1 for 73) took crucial wickets, concluding day one with South Africa at 247 for 6.