In a dominating display of fast bowling, India‘s Mohammed Siraj wreaked havoc on the South African batting line-up during the Day 1 ongoing third Test at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town. In an outstanding performance, Siraj registered remarkable figures of 9-3-15-6, bowling out South Africa for a mere 55 runs in the first innings of the second and final Test match of the series.
Changes in India’s and South Africa lineup
India implemented strategic adjustments to their lineup for the game, opting for Ravindra Jadeja in lieu of Ravichandran Ashwin and Mukesh Kumar taking the place of Shardul Thakur. Conversely, the Proteas underwent three changes, with Temba Bavuma, Gerald Coetzee and Keegan Petersen making way for Tristan Stubbs, Keshav Maharaj and Lungi Ngidi.
Mohammed Siraj’s early breakthroughs set the tone
After losing the toss and being put in to bowl first, Siraj provided India with an early breakthrough by getting Aiden Markram caught in the third slip by Yashasvi Jaiswal. Siraj’s ability to find the nip back and induce mistakes in the Proteas’ top order set the tone for India’s dominance.
Siraj’s strategic bowling display
Utilizing bouncers with pinpoint accuracy, Siraj continued to dismantle the South African batting order. He forced Dean Elgar to edge one back onto his stumps, and in quick succession, dismissed Tony de Zorzi, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne and Marco Jansen, all caught behind the wickets. This remarkable performance marked Siraj’s third five-wicket haul in his 23-match career.
Also WATCH: Mohammed Siraj wreaks havoc in South African camp with sensational six-fer in Cape Town Test
Best bowling figures for Siraj
With bowling figures of 6/15, Siraj produced his best-ever performance, showcasing his skill and determination. Bowling nine consecutive overs from one end, Siraj’s relentless attack turned the game in India’s favor.
Contributions from Jasprit Bumrah and Mukesh Kumar
In addition to Siraj’s brilliance, Jasprit Bumrah and Mukesh played crucial roles by taking two wickets each, contributing significantly to India’s successful dismantling of the South African batting lineup.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Mohammad Siraj ✊🏼🪄.. What aggression🔥 #SAvsIND
— Surya Kumar Yadav (@surya_14kumar) January 3, 2024
Siraj weaving magic at Newlands! Impeccable length and a spellbinding display of seam bowling!#SAvIND pic.twitter.com/keq8mJQLat
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) January 3, 2024
Mohd. Siraj in rythm is like a bollywood song from Imran Hashmi movie. Once it begins, you just want to keep it going without any break. Lyrics, music and everything. #INDvsSA
— Himanshu Pareek (@Sports_Himanshu) January 3, 2024
Mohammad Siraj .. What aggression🔥 #SAvsIND #siraj #Siraj #INDvsSA
— Sachin Jangra – सचिन जांगड़ा (@sachujangra) January 3, 2024
Those with tickets for the Cape Town cricket are witnessing a flurry of wickets. SA 8 down without reaching 50 and the Indian attack is on fire! Siraj does not just do it versus Sri Lanka, so it seems.
— Iceland Cricket (@icelandcricket) January 3, 2024
Mohammed Siraj’s 9-3-15-6 at Newlands goes straight into India’s Test-bowling hall of fame
— Lawrence Booth (@BoothCricket) January 3, 2024
Outstanding display of seam bowling. Length, accuracy, movement everything just perfect. Well bowled Siraj 🙌🏽 To bowl the opposition out in first session when they’ve elected to bat first is crazy 🤯 #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/MEOuRe93eP
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) January 3, 2024
Siraj – Sirapana Tharamana Sambhavam 👌 #SAvIND
— S.Badrinath (@s_badrinath) January 3, 2024
What an excellent display of fast bowling from Mohammad Siraj in South Africa! He’s been brilliant with his line and lengths. SA 6 down already…
Wow 🔥🔥#SAvIND
— Israr Ahmed Hashmi (@IamIsrarHashmi) January 3, 2024
This is the greatest first session of an overseas test that I remember as an Indian fan#IndvSA #SAvIND #Siraj
— LayEggBeforeWicket (@LayEgg_B4_Wkt) January 3, 2024
Siraj. A Dream Spell is Happening 💥
— Kettavan Memes (@Kettavan__Memes) January 3, 2024
What a bowling performance! Siraj was fabulous, and Bumrah and Mukesh bowled equally well. South Africa bowled out for 55. The Indian batters to step up now. #SAvIND
— Prasenjit Dey (@CricPrasen) January 3, 2024
Brilliant bowling from @BCCI #SAvIND Just 10 more than the Blackcaps lowest score at the ground.
— Justin Flitter (@JustinFlitter) January 3, 2024
Helpful conditions are one thing, using those conditions something else. India have been exceptional in that first session #SAvIND #SAvsIND
— Tony: Somehow a MD ANT (@MrTonyBe) January 3, 2024
Siraj weaving magic at Newlands! Impeccable length and a spellbinding display of seam bowling!#SAvIND pic.twitter.com/keq8mJQLat
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) January 3, 2024
South Africa have been bundled out for just 55 courtsey of tremendous bowling performance from India 🔥👏#SAvIND #cricket #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/VPmRPIVqV8
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 3, 2024
Innings Break!
A stupendous outing for our bowlers in the first innings as South Africa are all out for 55 runs in the first session of the 2nd Test.
This is the lowest Test score by an opposition against India.
Scorecard – https://t.co/j9tTnGLuBP #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/86iHajl5Yu
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 3, 2024
🔄 CHANGE OF INNINGS
Not the morning the Proteas would have hoped for after winning the toss earlier on. India have bowled out the Proteas for 55🏏
SA seamers looking to put the Indian batters under pressure in their 1st innings 🇿🇦#WozaNawe #BePartOfIt #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/lAzXeUCOp4
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) January 3, 2024