2nd Test Day 1: Bumrah Removes Markram at Tea as South Africa Reach 82/1 – Full Session Breakdown

The highly anticipated 2nd Test between India and South Africa kicked off at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, marking a historic moment as the venue hosted its debut Test match. After choosing to bat first on a fresh red-soil surface, South Africa reached a solid 82/1 in 26.5 overs, but not before Jasprit Bumrah delivered a crucial late breakthrough, removing Aiden Markram just before the tea break.

With India coming off a disappointing loss in the first Test, the opening session carried significant importance. While the Proteas batters looked largely comfortable for most parts, Bumrah’s strike ensured India stayed in the contest.

South Africa’s Steady Start on a Fresh Pitch

Skipper Temba Bavuma elected to bat first, trusting the pitch to offer good bounce and value for shots. Openers Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton walked out with a clear intent: survive the early movement and punish loose deliveries.

India began proceedings with their strike pair — Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. The duo got:

• Good carry

• Early swing

• Consistent bounce

However, despite the promising conditions, the Proteas openers showed discipline through the early overs.

Two byes even slipped past wicketkeeper-captain Rishabh Pant, adding to a slow and subdued beginning at India’s newest Test venue.

KL Rahul’s Drop Keeps Markram Alive

One of the early talking points came when Bumrah induced a thick outside edge from Markram. KL Rahul, stationed at slip, reached but couldn’t hold on to the sharp chance — a moment that gave Markram a crucial life when he was on just 4 runs.

India looked visibly frustrated, and for a while, it seemed like the opportunity might cost them.

Markram capitalized soon after, driving Bumrah crisply through the covers to get going and settling into a confident rhythm.

Siraj Goes Full; SA Take Advantage

Siraj’s length started drifting a touch too full and wide, leading to:

• Multiple scoring opportunities

• Free-flowing boundaries for both openers

• Release of pressure after a tight initial spell

By the first drinks break, South Africa were comfortably placed at 34/0, with India unable to create sustained pressure.

Rookie Nitish Reddy Struggles for Control

Making his way into the attack, Nitish Kumar Reddy bowled inconsistent lines:

• Too often drifting onto the pads

• Conceding easy boundaries

• Allowing both batters to rotate strike freely

The Proteas pair appeared increasingly settled as the session progressed.

Spin Twins Find Turn but Lack Luck

Both Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar were introduced as India sought a breakthrough. They did manage to extract:

• Healthy turn

• Extra bounce

• Encouraging drift

Yet, luck wasn’t on their side. Rickelton, in particular, survived a couple of streaky edges and miscues, adding to India’s frustration.

Pant Calls Back Bumrah – Breakthrough Arrives

With the session nearing its end and no success for the spinners, skipper Rishabh Pant made the tactical decision to bring back Bumrah for one final burst before tea. The move paid immediate dividends.

In the penultimate minute before the break:

• Bumrah produced a delivery that nipped in

• Markram attempted to cut

• The ball rapped his inside edge

• And chopped back onto the stumps

A relieved KL Rahul smiled as India finally broke the partnership.

Aiden Markram fell for 38 (solid but unlucky), and South Africa slipped from 82/0 to 82/1.

Rickelton Remains Solid at the Break

Ryan Rickelton remained unbeaten on 35, looking composed throughout his stay. He anchored the innings confidently and will be crucial for South Africa heading into the second session.

Session Summary: India vs South Africa – 2nd Test, Day 1 (Tea)

South Africa: 82/1 in 26.5 overs

• Aiden Markram – 38 (dismissed)

• Ryan Rickelton – 35 (not out)*

• Extras – Minimal but included byes past Pant

India Bowling

• Jasprit Bumrah: 1/7

  • Best bowler of the session

  • Tight, probing lines

  • Provided the key breakthrough

• Mohammed Siraj: Inconsistent length

• Nitish Kumar Reddy: Expensive, struggled

• Kuldeep & Sundar: Turn but no wickets

What This Wicket Means Going Forward

Markram’s dismissal came at a perfect moment for India:

• It prevents South Africa from fully dominating Day 1

• It gives India a chance to control the next session

• Offers fresh momentum to bowlers who were otherwise struggling

If India can pick one or two quick wickets after tea, the match dynamic could shift dramatically.

However, with Rickelton set and South Africa’s middle order in good form, the Proteas will aim to build a solid first-innings platform.

Key Takeaways from the First Session

• Bumrah remains India’s most trusted bowler in challenging moments.

• India’s fielding needs sharper execution; the Rahul drop could've been costly.

• South Africa showed excellent temperament on an unfamiliar pitch.

• The Guwahati crowd turnout remained surprisingly low for a historic Test debut.

FAQs

1. Who dismissed Aiden Markram in the 2nd Test?

Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Markram by forcing him to chop the ball onto his stumps.

2. What was South Africa’s score at tea on Day 1?

South Africa reached 82/1 in 26.5 overs.

3. Who is captaining India in this Test?

Rishabh Pant is leading India in this match.

4. How did India’s bowlers perform in the first session?

Bumrah was outstanding, while Siraj and Nitish struggled for consistency. Spinners extracted turn but couldn’t pick up wickets.

5. Where is the 2nd Test being played?

The match is being played at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati, hosting its first-ever Test.