Senuran Muthusamy achieved his maiden Test century while Marco Jansen added an explosive 93 runs, leading South Africa to a strong total of 489 all out on the second day of their second Test against India in Guwahati.
Muthusamy’s impressive innings of 109 included a crucial partnership of 97 runs for the eighth wicket with Jansen, who was the final wicket to fall during the match. Reflecting on his achievement, Muthusamy expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “First innings runs in the sub-continent are vital. It was just really, really awesome experience out there.”
Jansen’s innings was marked by an aggressive approach, as he unleashed six fours and seven sixes in a quick-fire performance off just 91 balls. His innings came to an end when he inadvertently knocked a delivery from Kuldeep Yadav onto his stumps, concluding South Africa’s innings after 151.1 overs.
As play concluded for the day, India had scored nine runs without loss, trailing South Africa by 480 runs on a pitch that remained favorable for batting. Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul were at the crease when bad light curtailed play.
Standing at 6ft 8in (2.03m), Jansen gave the Indian bowlers a tough time, especially towards the end of the innings, as he surpassed his previous best score of 84 not out in Test cricket. His performance included a display of power hitting, contributing to the joint-highest number of sixes in a Test innings against India, tying with Shahid Afridi’s record of seven sixes set in 2006.
Muthusamy reached his century on the 192nd ball with a shot off pacer Mohammed Siraj, celebrating with a raised bat and a nod to the applauding crowd. Despite departing shortly after the lunch break, Jansen maintained the momentum with valuable contributions from Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj, who remained unbeaten on 12.
The Indian bowlers faced challenges early on, with Ravindra Jadeja eventually ending an 88-run partnership by stumping Kyle Verreynne for 45 runs after a wicketless opening session. Kuldeep Yadav emerged as the leading wicket-taker, finishing with four scalps.
Kuldeep mentioned the difficulty of the surface, noting, “We knew that this is not a track they are not going to roll out very easily and we have to keep disciplined lines and be patient. We tried, but as everyone knows, Marco Jansen and Muthusamy batted well.”
South Africa, who won the toss and opted to bat first, is seeking their first series victory in India in 25 years, having already secured a win in the first match of this two-match series. Muthusamy, alongside Verreynne, initially focused on rotating the strike during a slow first hour when only 28 runs were scored.
Muthusamy faced a close call at 48 when an lbw decision went against him, but a successful review overturned the call, signaling a lucky break in his innings.