7-star Shardul

Johannesburg, January 4

Unheralded seam bowler Shardul Thakur seven wickets for 61 runs to become an unlikely hero, keeping India in the match on an intriguing Day 2 of the second Test against South Africa here today. Standing at 5 feet 7 inches and with a physique which is an antithesis of what is perceived to be a fast bowler’s body, the skiddy Thakur bowled 17.5 overs and grabbed seven wickets, landing blows at crucial moments to send South Africa packing for 229 in their first innings. His effort restricted South Africa’s lead to only 27, and India reached 85/2 at stumps in their second innings, losing the wickets of captain KL Rahul (8) and Mayank Agarwal (23).

The two unbeaten batsmen were Cheteshwar Pujara (35) and Ajinkya Rahane (11), who have been under fire for their poor form in recent times. But today they batted with a lot of positivity and intent after joining up at 44/2 and have added 41 runs in 8.2 overs at a run rate of 4.92.

On a pitch with spongy, tennis ball-like bounce, a fourth innings target of 180 to 200 would be difficult to achieve for South Africa and India would be very keen to reach at least 250 in their second innings.

Roaring Shardul

Shardul means ‘Tiger’ in Sanskrit and his teammates teasingly call him ‘Lord Beefy’ which, incidentally, is legendary all-rounder Ian Botham’s nickname. Today ‘Tiger’ Thakur was in a mood to hunt inside the ‘Bull Ring’ here in sunny Johannesburg, and he came up with a bowling performance which would have exceeded the expectations of coach Rahul Dravid. The day started well for South Africa as their dogged skipper Dean Elgar (28 off 120 balls) was happy to play the waiting game, allowing younger colleague Keegan Peterson (62 off 118 balls) to play an attacking role.

It was going well for them in a stand of 74 as South Africa reached 88/1 before Thakur was brought into the attack in the 34th over. With Mohammed Siraj bowling with a shorter run-up and not able to exert himself fully due to a hamstring injury, Thakur had to take more responsibility, and he responded well.

Mohammed Shami (2/52 in 21 overs) and Jasprit Bumrah (1/49 in 21 overs) once again bowled their hearts out, beat the outside edge without much luck before Thakur dealt three quick blows just before lunch.

He got skipper Elgar with one that moved late, taking the outside edge. The delivery that removed Peterson was a conventional outswinger which wasn’t at a drivable length and the batter went for a punch through covers, only to edge the ball to second slip.

Caught or not?

Out of Thakur’s seven wickets, the dismissal of Rassie van der Dussen created some controversy as TV replays suggested that the ball may have bounced before being caught by Pant. The batsman walked off, and on replays from one angle, it appeared that it was picked up on the bounce. It is learnt that SA captain Elgar visited the match referee’s room to discuss the dismissal. — Agencies