India vs South Africa Test 2 – Day 2
Day 2 of the India vs South Africa second Test in Guwahati was a defining day that tilted the balance hard in favour of South Africa. By the close, the Proteas had posted a formidable 489 in their first innings, and India were left staring at a daunting task. This article breaks down how South Africa dominated, how India responded, and what this all means for the rest of the Test.
Early Momentum: South Africa Builds from 247/6 to 489
At the start of Day 2, South Africa resumed at 247/6. They had already lost much of their top and middle order, but crucial partnerships would change the game. Over the course of the day, they batted 151.1 overs in total to reach 489.
The lower order added a huge 243 runs for the last four wickets. That was a brutal recovery, and India’s bowlers simply couldn’t break through in time.
Muthusamy’s Maiden Test Century Powers SA
One of the standout moments in the India vs South Africa Day 2 action was Senuran Muthusamy’s maiden Test century. He scored 109 runs off 206 balls. His knock was patient, composed, and crucial for building a strong platform.
Muthusamy’s approach frustrated the Indian attack, especially because he played well against both pace and spin. By getting to three figures, he shifted the psychological balance in favour of South Africa.
Jansen’s Brutal 93: Lower‑Order Firepower
While Muthusamy anchored, Marco Jansen provided the fireworks at the other end. He smashed 93 runs, aggressively punishing the Indian bowlers. According to reports, he struck 7 sixes during his innings.
Jansen played with freedom and used pace, bounce, and aggression to completely unsettle India. His innings helped provide South Africa the late boost they needed to post such a big score.
India vs South Africa: India’s Bowling Struggles
Throughout Day 2, India vs South Africa saw the Indian bowlers toil under pressure. The seamers and spinners both tried, but without consistent breakthroughs.
- India bowled 151.1 overs in South Africa’s innings.
- Kuldeep Yadav picked up 4 wickets in the innings.
- Despite this, India failed to stop the last four batters from piling on 243 runs.
Their inability to remove Muthusamy and Jansen earlier proved costly. South Africa’s lower order capitalised fully, and Indian bowlers looked out of ideas at times.
India’s Reply Begins: Cautious but Under Pressure
In response, India began their first innings late in the Day 2, but they only batted 6.1 overs before bad light forced the end of play.
By stumps, India were 9/0, with Yashasvi Jaiswal on 7* and KL Rahul on 2*. They trailed by 480 runs, a massive deficit.
Key Tactical Notes: India vs South Africa
South Africa’s lower order showed remarkable depth: The 243-run stand for the last four wickets proved decisive.
Muthusamy’s knock was calculated and mature, while Jansen’s 93 was explosive — a perfect mix of rigidity and aggression.
India’s bowlers lacked sustained bite: Though Kuldeep took 4, the rest of the attack failed to support him enough.
The decision to bat deep paid off for South Africa: They used all 11 batters effectively.
South Africa now holds a strong psychological advantage. Scoring 489 will give them confidence going into the next innings.
India are in a dangerous position: Trailing by nearly 500 means they risk a big first-innings deficit that could decide the Test.
The match could become one of attrition: Unless India build a big reply, South Africa might be able to push for a quick win or force India into a defensive mode.
Conclusion
Day 2 of the India vs South Africa second Test was dominated by South Africa. They used lower-order brilliance, especially from Muthusamy and Jansen, to pile up 489. India’s response was cautious and limited by fading light, leaving them 9/0 and trailing by 480 runs. The momentum is clearly with the Proteas, and India will need to rise sharply on Day 3 if they hope to salvage this Test.
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