"Siraj weaving magic in Newlands" - Internet hails Indian pacer after his 6-wicket haul in 2nd IND vs SA Test
Mohammed Siraj wreaked havoc with the new ball as India bundled out South Africa for a mere 55 runs in the first innings of the second Test in Cape Town on Wednesday.
Indian bowlers were severely criticized after their below-par performance in the first Test. But they bounced back strongly to bowl out the Proteas for their lowest score in Tests since readmission.
Siraj single-handedly demolished the hosts with figures of 6/15 from nine overs. His spell was one of the best in recent times and had everything in it - accuracy, seam, and swing. It was also his best figure in Test cricket since making his debut against Australia in 2020.
Fans were ecstatic to see Siraj shedding fire on a lively Newlands wicket. Several former cricketers, including Sachin Tendulkar and Suresh Raina, also showered praise on the Hyderabad-born pacer.
Here are some of the reactions:
South Africa's decision to bat first backfired as India bowl them out in just 23.2 overs
South Africa's stand-in captain Dean Elgar won the toss and chose to bat first in Cape Town. The decision backfired as Indian pacers shed fire with the new ball to bulldoze them inside the morning session. Only two of the 11 Proteas batters managed to reach the double-digit mark.
Mohammed Siraj drew the first blood in the fourth over, dismissing Aiden Markram before getting the better of Elgar, who is playing his final Test. Jasprit Bumrah joined the party by removing Tristan Stubbs to have the hosts reeling at 11/3. Siraj then completed his five-wicket haul in a quick time, bagging six scalps in total.
Mukesh Kumar gave the finishing touches, dismissing Kagiso Rabada and Keshav Maharaj, while Bumrah came back to get the better of Nandre Burger.
South Africa could only manage 55 runs in 23.2 overs, handing India a massive advantage.