Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin criticized South Africa’s batting technique against spin after Day 1 of the second Test in Guwahati (Saturday, November 22). Choosing to bat first, the Proteas finished the day at 247/6 in 81.5 overs, with Senuran Muthusamy on 25 and Kyle Verreynne on 1.
For India, Kuldeep Yadav was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3/48 in 17 overs. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin observed that South African batters struggled to read Kuldeep, particularly pointing out Tristan Stubbs’ approach against the wrist spinner. Ashwin stated:
“South African batters are not reading Kuldeep. They are trying to play him off the pitch. The way Tristan Stubbs batted, he was searching for the ball, played a defensive shot, and then thought that if the ball comes in, he will be bowled or it might be a googly, he could get beaten, so cover both sides and that’s how he got out.”
He further added: “Siraj’s last wicket, Tony de Zorzi’s, was crucial. South Africa needed more than 260 to threaten a big score. Most batters got 30s-40s but didn’t capitalize. India will look to break partnerships early, while SA must aim beyond 300-320,” he added.
“It was India’s day” – Ashwin praises dominating start against South Africa
In the same video, Ravichandran Ashwin remarked that the hosts owned Day 1 of the Guwahati Test and pointed out that South Africa would require a substantial first-innings score. He added:
“It was India’s day. I don’t think it was South Africa’s day. South Africa batted the way they did in Kolkata. Maybe they were thinking the wickets are tough and will break. But this is winter in Guwahati, and in my opinion, these wickets won’t break much. They might start breaking a little bit more, but as long as there is moisture in the air, that will not allow the wicket to break much. There will be some assistance for fast bowlers, but it will start getting better from tomorrow onwards to bat.”
“So South Africa going in one-seamer light again. Muthusamy’s batting might benefit them, but they have gone in one-seamer light. Anything, if South Africa don’t bat another session or two, in my view, they have to make a big first-innings score. That big first-innings score is 450, just 200 runs out. I think India is slightly, not slightly, India is ahead in this game,” he added.
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