India v South Africa, 1st Test, Day 2 - India are in a commanding position

Hashim Amla and Dean Algar’s resistance in the morning hinted better things for the visitors, but as soon as Ashwin dismissed Amla, the balance of the match shifted completely in favour of the home team. AB de Villiers was the only South African batsmen who showed enough technique and temperament to stay at the wicket and fetch runs, while his partners just didn’t show the sort of patience which was needed for this wicket.

Ravichandran Ashwin has bagged 150 wickets in just 29 Test matches and this was his 13th five-wicket haul in Test cricket. He has been a very effective bowler for India in the subcontinental conditions.  But, I must not forget the kind of threat Amit Mishra posed today. Ashwin bagged the wickets while Mishra piled on the pressure on the Proteas batters which created the platform for Ashwin to fetch wickets.

Murali Vijay was found in good nick again and he was well supported by Pujara. Both Pujara and Vijay are an asset for India in Test cricket. I hope the fans and selectors realize this as early as possible.

Thank You
Faisal Caesar