Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
Guwahati, Nov 23: All-rounder Senuran Muthusamy struck his maiden Test century and Marco Jansen produced a blistering half-century to steer South Africa to an imposing 428/7 in 137 overs at lunch on day two of the second Test at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
The visitors scored 112 runs in the morning session off 26 overs, with Muthusamy’s achievement standing out. His hundred makes him only the second visiting batter in the last 15 years — after Quinton de Kock — to score a Test century at No. 7 on Indian soil. The left-hander combined patience with composure on a warm Guwahati afternoon, showcasing the same temperament he had displayed in Rawalpindi and Chattogram.
Muthusamy (107*), along with Jansen (51*), stitched together a rapid 94-run stand off just 99 deliveries, firmly positioning South Africa for a potential 500-plus first-innings total against an increasingly weary Indian attack. While Muthusamy accelerated after a steady beginning, Jansen counterattacked fearlessly, especially against the spinners.
India’s hopes of early breakthroughs faded as Muthusamy punched Jasprit Bumrah to the boundary, followed by an unsuccessful review for a catch down the leg side against Kyle Verreynne. The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 121st over when Ravindra Jadeja pushed one quicker and wider, drawing Verreynne (45) out of his crease for a lofted shot — only for Rishabh Pant to complete a sharp stumping. The dismissal ended an 88-run partnership with Muthusamy.
From there, South Africa shifted gears. Jansen launched a no-look six off Jadeja, while Muthusamy hammered a clean strike over long-on off Washington Sundar. Jansen dismantled the spinners further, smashing Jadeja for a six and four, then belting Kuldeep Yadav for two towering maximums.
Muthusamy joined the assault with a straight six, followed by a reverse sweep and slog sweep for boundaries off Kuldeep, while Jansen added two more fours off a fatigued Bumrah. Muthusamy brought up his maiden Test ton with a well-timed punch through cover for two off Mohammed Siraj. Minutes later, Jansen reached his fourth Test fifty off 53 balls, consolidating South Africa’s dominance.
Brief Scores:
South Africa 428/7 in 137 overs (Senuran Muthusamy 107*, Marco Jansen 51*; Kuldeep Yadav 3/110, Ravindra Jadeja 2/78) vs India.