South Africa's Muthusamy Shines with Century in Second Test Against India
Muthusamy's Milestone and Jansen's Aggression
Guwahati: In a remarkable display of skill, Senuran Muthusamy achieved his maiden Test century, while Marco Jansen contributed with a brisk fifty, propelling South Africa to a commanding 428/7 at lunch on the second day of the second Test against India at Barsapara Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
During a session that saw 112 runs scored in just 26 overs, Muthusamy's achievement was noteworthy as he became only the second visiting player in the past 15 years, following Quinton de Kock, to notch a Test century batting at number seven in India. He demonstrated his ability to adapt to the conditions on a warm day in Guwahati, a skill he had previously shown in Rawalpindi and Chattogram.
The duo of Muthusamy, who remained unbeaten on 107, and Jansen, who was not out on 51, formed a solid partnership of 94 runs off 99 balls, setting South Africa on a path towards a total exceeding 500 against a fatigued Indian bowling attack. Jansen's aggressive batting complemented Muthusamy's steady approach after a cautious start.
India's aspirations for an early breakthrough in the second session were thwarted when Muthusamy struck a boundary off Jasprit Bumrah, followed by a failed review for a catch off Kyle Verreynne down the leg side.
The first breakthrough came in the 121st over when Ravindra Jadeja bowled a quicker delivery that tempted Verreynne into a big shot, leading to his stumping by Rishabh Pant for 45. This wicket ended the 88-run partnership with Muthusamy.
Following this wicket, South Africa's strategy shifted, with Jansen hitting a no-look six off Jadeja, while Muthusamy followed suit with a six over long-on off Washington Sundar. Jansen then aggressively targeted the spinners, hitting Jadeja for a six and a four, and then hitting Kuldeep Yadav for two sixes.
Muthusamy joined the fun with a six down the ground and a reverse-sweep for four off Kuldeep, while Jansen added two boundaries off a weary Bumrah. Muthusamy reached his century with a well-placed shot for two runs off Siraj, and shortly after, Jansen secured his fourth Test half-century off just 53 balls, further solidifying South Africa's position in the match.
Brief Scores: South Africa 428/7 in 137 overs (Senuran Muthusamy 107 not out, Marco Jansen 51 not out; Kuldeep Yadav 3-110, Ravindra Jadeja 2-78) against India.