After India’s 30-run defeat in the first Test against South Africa on Sunday, legendary cricketer of India Anil Kumble said that not handing the ball to main fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah at the start of the third day’s play on the challenging pitch of Eden Gardens raises questions. Chasing the target of 124 runs, the Indian team was all out for 93 runs and thus the first Test match ended in the second session of the third day itself.
Axar Patel started Day 3 for India
Anil Kumble, reviewing India’s defeat, said that one of India’s biggest mistakes was not giving Jasprit Bumrah the first over on the third morning, especially on a pitch that was favoring fast bowlers. Rishabh Pant gave the first over to Axar Patel and then continued to spin for a while before bringing in Bumrah from one end.
After India’s defeat, Kumble said on Jio Hotstar, “The target of 124 runs was a bit high. South Africa had a lead of only 63 runs at the start of the day and had three wickets in hand. Temba Bavuma was still playing. In such conditions, the spread field and not giving the first over to their best bowler Jasprit Bumrah raises questions. All three wickets that South Africa lost today were taken by fast bowlers.”
Kumble said that it made no sense to bowl ahead of Bumrah on such a challenging surface. In addition to Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj also made significant contributions, taking back-to-back wickets to restrict the Proteas to 153.
However, the South African spinners turned the match around by dismantling the Indian batting lineup after lunch. Simon Harmer was awarded the Player of the Match award. Temba Bavuma also added crucial runs with Corbin Bosch on the morning of the third day, which ultimately proved to be the turning point.