SA vs IND 2024: Jasprit Bumrah ‘surprised’ after Day 1, says ‘didn’t expect 23 wickets to fall’

India’s gun fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah was surprised after a total of 23 wickets fell on the opening day of the second Test match against South Africa at Newlands, Cape Town on Wednesday. While South Africa was bundled out for a paltry score of 55 runs, their lowest in Test cricket since readmission, India was skittled out for 153 runs in the first innings.

Furthermore, South Africa lost three more wickets in their second dig before the close of play. Bumrah returned with figures of 2-25 in the first innings and once again bowled at his best.

There was a lot of bounce in the surface and both team’s seamers were able to get the best out of the conditions.

“Cricket is always surprising. We didn’t expect that 23 wickets will fall on the opening day. But it’s exciting because you get something from the wicket if you hit the right line and length. An exciting day awaits us,” said Bumrah ahead of second day’s play.

Bumrah revealed that the plan was to bowl consistently in the right areas and be patient in their approach.

“We have a lot of belief in our group of bowlers. But there are a lot of new guys coming. So, we spoke about consistency and bowling in partnerships. Just like batting, there are partnerships in bowling and if you build pressure from one end, you will get wickets from the other. We were happy that we were able to do it in this match. I started from the other end. But there is not too much movement and I feel the bowlers are feeling more comfortable while bowling from this end,” Bumrah added.

Meanwhile, Bumrah was at his absolute best in the second innings, bagging a six-wicket haul of 6-61. South Africa were bowled out for 176 and lead by 78 runs.

India will be looking to level the series by chasing down 79 runs in the second innings.