1st Test: Jadeja grabs 4 as South Africa slump to 93/7, lead India by 63 runs

On Day Two of the first Test at Eden Gardens, Ravindra Jadeja spun a web around South Africa's batting lineup, claiming four wickets from the Pavilion End. The visitors collapsed to 93/7 in 35 overs at stumps.

- ANIK DUTTA

Despite South Africa holding a 63-run lead over India, Jadeja’s 4-29 ensured the contest remained balanced, particularly on a day when 16 wickets fell.

South Africa had appeared to seize control after dismissing India for 189, with Temba Bavuma’s side securing a slender 30-run advantage. Shubman Gill retired hurt for just four runs due to a neck spasm, further denting India’s batting effort. Yet South Africa's batsmen faltered under relentless spin and poor shot selection, handing India the initiative by the close.

The two-paced Eden Gardens pitch continues to challenge both sides, with inconsistent bounce and sharp turn making batting treacherous. A chase of 125 would be daunting, requiring South Africa to nearly quadruple their current lead ~ no easy task on such a surface.

Earlier in the morning, South African off-spinner Simon Harmer claimed four wickets as India were bowled out for 189. India’s innings mirrored South Africa's first-day struggles, marked by limited contributions and a lack of partnerships. The highest stand was 57 between KL Rahul and Washington Sundar.