GUWAHATI: South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first against an Indian side led by new captain Rishabh Pant, making a steady start to the first day of the second and final Test on Saturday. The match marks a major milestone for the city of Guwahati, which is hosting its first-ever Test at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium.
Looking to get a big score on a pitch with a substantial grass cover, Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma had no hesitation in batting first after winning the toss. His side made one change, bringing in Senuran Muthusamy for Corbin Bosch. For India, trailing 1-0 in the series and desperate for a win to level the contest, the match began a new chapter as Rishabh Pant became the nation’s 38th Test captain.
He took the reins from regular skipper Shubman Gill, who was ruled out with a neck injury sustained in the first Test.Pant, who called the captaincy a “proud moment,” confirmed two changes to the Indian XI, with all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy and batter Sai Sudharsan coming into the side.
In the opening passage of play, South African openers Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton safely navigated the first few overs from Indian pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. India’s start was slightly untidy, conceding early boundaries through byes that eluded the grasp of wicketkeeper-captain Pant, as South Africa moved to 11/0 after the first four overs.
