How Did Muthusamy’s Century and Jansen’s Fifty Propel South Africa to 428/7?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Senuran Muthusamy scored his first Test century.
- Marco Jansen contributed with a quick fifty.
- South Africa reached 428/7 at lunch on day two.
- The partnership of 94 runs was crucial for the team's total.
- India's bowling struggled against the determined South African batters.
Guwahati, Nov 23 (NationPress) Batting all-rounder Senuran Muthusamy achieved his maiden Test century, while Marco Jansen launched a spirited fifty, propelling South Africa to a score of 428/7 in 137 overs at lunch on the second day of the second Test against India at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
During a session that saw 112 runs scored across 26 overs, Muthusamy's milestone was particularly notable, as he became only the second visiting batter in the last 15 years – after fellow Proteas player Quinton de Kock – to hit a Test hundred after coming to bat at number seven in India. He displayed a remarkable ability to bat prudently on a warm afternoon in Guwahati, a skill he had previously demonstrated in Rawalpindi and Chattogram.
The partnership of 94 runs off 99 deliveries between Muthusamy, who remained not out on 107, and Jansen, who was also unbeaten on 51, has set South Africa on a firm path toward a total exceeding 500 against a weary Indian bowling attack. Jansen's aggressive play was well complemented by Muthusamy's transition to a more aggressive style after a cautious beginning.
India's desire for an early breakthrough in the second session was thwarted when Muthusamy drove Jasprit Bumrah for a four, followed by a failed review for a catch off Kyle Verreynne down leg. The breakthrough finally occurred in the 121st over when Ravindra Jadeja bowled a quicker delivery that enticed Verreynne into a big shot, leading to him being stumped by Rishabh Pant for 45. This wicket concluded their 88-run partnership with Muthusamy.
That dismissal prompted a change in South Africa’s strategy, as Jansen hit a no-look six off Jadeja, with Muthusamy following suit with a six over long-on off Washington Sundar. Jansen then targeted the spinners, hitting Jadeja for six and four, before launching two maximums off Kuldeep Yadav.
Muthusamy joined in the fun with a six down the ground and a reverse-sweep plus a slog sweep for fours off Kuldeep, even as Jansen secured two fours off a fatigued Bumrah. Muthusamy then celebrated his century with a well-placed punch wide of cover for two runs off Mohammed Siraj. Following that, Jansen reached his fourth Test half-century off 53 balls, solidifying South Africa's dominance in the match.
Brief Scores: South Africa 428/7 in 137 overs (Senuran Muthusamy 107 not out, Marco Jansen 51 not out; Kuldeep Yadav 3-110, Ravindra Jadeja 2-78) against India.