Guwahati: A crucial dropped catch by KL Rahul has given South Africa’s Aiden Markram an early reprieve, allowing the tourists to navigate a testing opening session on Day 1 of the second Test against India. After electing to bat first in Guwahati’s historic inaugural Test match, South Africa reached 30/0 after 12 overs, surviving a challenging new-ball spell from India’s pacers.
The defining moment of the morning came in the seventh over when fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah induced a thick outside edge from Markram, who was batting on four. The chance flew to KL Rahul at second slip, but the usually reliable fielder put down what was considered a straightforward catch, leaving Bumrah visibly frustrated.
The let-off proved significant as Markram and his opening partner, Ryan Rickelton, managed to weather the storm on a pitch that offered early movement for the bowlers. While India’s start was slightly untidy, with captain Rishabh Pant conceding eight byes behind the stumps, the bowlers consistently challenged the batters before the dropped catch let the pressure off.
The match marks a major occasion for both the city and for Pant, who is leading the Indian Test side for the first time in the absence of the injured Shubman Gill. Trailing 1-0 in the series, India is desperate to capitalize on any opportunity, making the dropped catch a potentially costly error as they seek to level the two-match series.
