WATCH: Mohammed Siraj wreaks havoc with ball as Proteas crumble for 55 in Cape Town

India’s Mohammed Siraj wreaked havoc in the first session of Day 1 in the Cape Town Test as he broke the back of the South African top-order. With India needing a win in the second Test, Siraj’s performance is the perfect start to the match for Rohit Sharma’s men. He was on a rollat the Newlands as the hosts lost wickets of key batters including retiring Dean Elgar (4), Aiden Markram (2) and Tony de Zorzi (2). Siraj’s exploits saw him complete his five-for in the seventh over as the Proteas were bowled out for 55 in their first innings.

South Africa collapse in first session

Having decided to bat first after winning the toss, South Africa found it hard to sustain against the Indian fast bowling attack led by Siraj, who ripped through the Proteas batting and only two batters got into double figures. The Indian pacer ended with his best figures of 15/6 in red ball format while Jasprit Bumrah ended with 25/2. Interestingly, Mukesh Kumar, playing in his second Test match ended with figures of 0/2.

Kyle Verreynne was the highest scorer in the innings with 15 while David Bedingham (12) was the only other batter to get into double figures. Extras turned out to be the third-highest scorewith five as South Africa could not stand still against the Indian bowling attack. India did not use the spin option of Ravindra Jadeja as South Africa were bowled out for 55 in 23.2 overs.

This is the lowest-ever total by a side against India in Test format while figures of 15/6 for Siraj is his best show in the red-ball cricket.

India will now look to consolidate with the bat having done so with the ball as they have a golden opportunity to end their win drought at the Newlands. So far in six previous Test matches at the venue in Cape Town, India have lost four and drawn two. However, with an early advantage India will look to assert dominance provided they have the majority of the first day to play.