Muthusamy, Jansen put SA on top as India fail to wrap up tail

Muthusamy’s maiden ton, Jansen’s 93 off 91 scupper India’s chances of a turnaround after dismissing Verreynne

- Somshuvra Laha

Two days gone and the last time India thought they had areal chance of gaining an upper hand in the second Test still was in the Saturday dusk when Tony de Zorzi had edged Mohammad Siraj to Rishabh Pant.

Six down for 247, who would have thought South Africa would add another 252 to their overnight total? Senuran Muthusamy, Kyle Verreynne and Marco Jansen though backed themselves to not only puta price on their wickets but also make India pay through the nose.

‘Muthusamy bagged his first Test hundred, Jansen was bowled seven runs short of what could have been his first Test hundred, but more scarring were the 247 runs South Africa scored between the three at an exhilarating pace.

Jansen’s 93 off 91, including arecord seven sixes, scuppered India’s chances of a quick turnaround after dismissing Verreynne. With Muthusamy at the other end, Jansen added 97 runs in 17.4 overs to practically bat India out of the game.

No team has lost a Test in India after scoring 489 till date. Another caveat: Only once since 2020 have India scored more than 489 in the second innings of a Test, against Australia on a similar pitch in Ahmedabad in 2023. India came out to bat with that fact hanging on their sketchy home record since last October, scraping to 9/0 in the fading light, trailing South Africa by 480 runs.