South African team has lost 3 wickets in the first session of the first Test being played against India at Eden Gardens. The visiting team has so far managed to score only 105 runs after losing 3 wickets till 27 overs of play. In the match being played in Kolkata, South African team, who won the toss and came to bat first, had a great start. Openers Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton scored 57 runs in 10.3 overs. Rickelton was out after scoring 23 runs in 22 balls with 4 fours.
Massive record for Kuldeep Yadav
Wiaan Mulder came in to bat at number three, but could only muster a 5-run partnership with Markram. Markram returned to the pavilion after scoring 31 runs off 48 balls. His innings included 1 six and 5 fours. The team had high hopes from captain Temba Bavuma, but he managed just 3 runs in 11 balls.
Indian cricket team’s star spinner Kuldeep Yadav has achieved another impressive feat. He has now become the spinner with the highest strike rate in Test cricket on home soil. Kuldeep’s strike rate (based on a minimum of 50 wickets) while bowling in India is 37.0, which is better than any other spinner in the world (minimum of 50 wickets).
Despite a strong start, South Africa lost three wickets for just 71 runs. Tony de Zorzi then came into bat. He and Mulder shared an unbroken 34-run partnership for the fourth wicket, taking the team past 100.
Strike rate of spinners in home conditions:
37.0 – Kuldeep Yadav (India)
37.5 – Jonny Briggs (England)
44.0 – Noman Ali (Pakistan)
46.0 – Ravichandran Ashwin (India)
Kuldeep’s achievement is also special because spin bowlers in India are under immense pressure, and batsmen are well-acquainted with the conditions. Despite this, he has consistently taken wickets and delivered match-winning performances for Team India. This remarkable achievement by Kuldeep has once again proven his status as one of the most effective spinners in modern cricket.
