India pick late wickets on Day 1 to restore balance against South Africa in Guwahati

India and South Africa shared the outcome of Day 1 of the second Test in Guwahati, as the visitors finished on 247/6 at Stumps. Despite a slow start after South Africa won the toss and opted to bat first, India managed to chip away at more than half of South Africa’s side by the end of day’s play.

Aiden Markram (38) and Ryan Rickelton (35) added 82 runs for the opening wicket before Jasprit Bumrah removed the right-hander with the opening blow as he snuck through the defences of Markram. Kuldeep Yadav struck in quick succession, removing Rickelton in no time as India hoped to put in a dominant shift.

However, South Africa managed to put up another fine stand with Tristan Stubbs (49) and Temba Bavuma (41) coming together. A 84-run partnership between the two threatened to leave India in a spot of bother but breaks from Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav wrested India back into the game.

India had another couple of quick breathers towards the end of the day as they pocketed the scalps of Tony de Zorzi (28) and Wiaan Mulder (13). Kuldeep Yadav was the pick of the lot with figures of 3/48, and the wrist spinner will hold the key to India's chances of bowling out South Africa early on Day 2.

Brief scores:

South Africa – 247/6 (Tristan Stubbs – 49, Temba Bavuma – 41, Kuldeep Yadav – 3/48)