Cricket History Rewritten: 134-Year-Old Record Shattered with 23 Wickets, 270 Runs in 75 Overs on First Day

In the 2nd Test between India and South Africa, a total of 23 wickets tumbled on the opening day. Both teams witnessed a tumultuous first innings, and South Africa continued to struggle in their second innings.

Jasprit Bumrah, following Mukesh Kumar’s two breakthroughs, delivered a remarkable performance, securing Africa’s third wicket. Bumrah’s feat shattered a 134-year-old Test cricket record.

Mohammad Siraj’s impressive spell (6-15), complemented by Jasprit Bumrah and Mukesh Kumar (2 wickets each), restricted South Africa to a mere 55 runs in their first innings. However, India faced a similar predicament.

Despite solid contributions from Rohit Sharma (39), Shubman Gill (36), and Virat Kohli (46), India slumped from 153 for 4 to lose six wickets without adding a single run. Nandre Berger, Lungi Ngidi, and Kagiso Rabada each claimed 3 wickets.

India managed to secure a lead of 98 runs in the first innings. In the second innings, South African captain Dean Elgar (12) once again faltered, falling victim to Mukesh Kumar. Mukesh struck again by dismissing Tony George in the subsequent over.

Tristan Stubbs (1) succumbed to Jasprit Bumrah’s excellent delivery, marking Africa’s third setback at 45 runs. This marks the second instance of 23 wickets falling on a single day in a Test match in South Africa, with the last occurrence in 2011 during the Test between Africa and Australia.

Additionally, the record for the most wickets falling on the first day in Test cricket history was broken, surpassing the 1896 Test between Africa and England, which saw 21 wickets fall.