The opening day of the 1st Test between India and South Africa at the iconic Eden Gardens belonged entirely to the hosts, thanks to a masterclass in pace bowling from the returning Jasprit Bumrah. After winning the toss and opting to bat on a dry surface, South Africa were blown away for just 159, before India responded with 37/1 at stumps, trailing by 122 runs and firmly in control.
After winning the toss South Africa opted to bat first, openers South Africa began steadily, with Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton putting on a promising 57-run opening stand. The pair handled the early pace well until Jasprit Bumrah unleashed his magic.
Bumrah broke the partnership with a brilliant delivery that jagged back sharply to castle Rickelton (23). Soon after, he sent back Markram (31) with a perfectly executed delivery that caught the edge.Spin entered the equation as Kuldeep Yadav dismissed Bavuma (3) with a sharp, dipping ball just before lunch, pushing South Africa to 105/3 after a once-promising start.
India tightened their grip after lunch. Brief resistance from Wiaan Mulder (24) and Tony de Zorzi (24) kept the scoreboard moving, but both fell before they could convert their starts—Kuldeep removing Mulder and Bumrah dismissing de Zorzi.
Mohammed Siraj then tore through the lower-middle order, removing Kyle Verreynne and Marco Jansen in quick succession. Axar Patel chipped in with a tidy wicket as well.
Jasprit Bumrah (5/27) who wrapped up the innings, completing a sensational five-wicket haul off just 14 overs.
South Africa Bowled out on 159 in 55 overs.
India openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul began their reply cautiously against an inspired spell from Marco Jansen, who struck early to dismiss Jaiswal (12), the left-hander chopping onto his stumps.
KL Rahul (13*)and Washington Sundar(6)*, battled through the evening session under fading light and attacking fields. India closed at 37/1, in a commanding position with plenty of batting to come.
India vs South Africa 1st Test Day 1 Match summary
Toss : South Africa won the toss and Opted to bat first
South Africa 1st innings : 159/10 in 55 overs
Top performer : Aiden Markram 33 runs off 48 runs, Jasprit Bumrah 5/27 in 14 overs
India 1st innings: 37/1 in 20 overs at end of the day
Top performer : 13 *runs off 59 balls, Marco Jansen 1/11 in 6 overs