Aakash Chopra was critical of the surface in the second Test of the series in Johannesburg where Shardul Thakur inspired a strong Indian comeback on Day 2 of the second Test against South Africa in The Wanderers. The visitors bowled the Proteas out on 229 in the first innings and ended the day on 85/2, gaining a 58-run lead so far. Shardul Thakur ended the innings with seven wickets – the most by an Indian pacer on South African soil.
However, the rather tricky nature of the pitch remained a significant topic of discussion on Day 2, as uneven bounce continued to trouble the batters throughout the day. Some of the deliveries reached dangerous heights, reminding the viewers of the 2018 Test at the same venue where South African skipper captain Dean Elgar was hit on a couple of occasions as he battled to save the Test against India.
Aakash Chopra Critical Of The Surface In Johannesburg Which He Feels Isn’t Ideal For Test Cricket
Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra was also critical of the surface in Johannesburg, insisting that it is not “ideal” for Test cricket. Aakash Chopra took to his official Twitter account after the close of play on Day 2 to highlight the uneven bounce being offered by the surface. The second Test has already seen as many as 22 wickets tumble in just two days. (29 wickets so far within 3 days)
“Too much of uneven bounce on this surface for a day-2 pitch. It was far worse last time around…but even this one isn’t ideal for Test cricket. IMHO. #SAvInd,” wrote Aakash Chopra.
https://twitter.com/cricketaakash/status/1478386678561755141?s=20
In the closing hours of Day 2, multiple deliveries troubled India batters Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane with extra bounce but the duo safely negotiated with the passage of play to remain unbeaten overnight.
Cheteshwar Pujara And Ajinkya Rahane Scores Fifties To Ensure India Take A 200 Run Lead
Earlier, captain KL Rahul (8) was out to a sharp catch in the slips off Marco Jansen’s bowling and Mayank Agarwal (23) was trapped leg before wicket by Duanne Olivier as India lost both openers early in the second innings. India is chasing a first-ever series victory in South Africa and leads 1-0 after their 113-run opening-test victory.
Both Indian and South African pacers were seen bowling a barrage of bouncers on the second day. In the first session, South Africa skipper Dean Elgar had to duck too many bouncers released by Jasprit Bumrah-led Indian pacers. Even when the Proteas came to bowl the situation was the same as Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen were seen releasing short balls, especially to Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane.
India is currently 252/9 having taken a lead of 225 runs after Cheteshwar Pujara (53) and Ajinkya Rahane (58) scored much-needed fifties when their place in staring XI was put in doubt and questioned by fans and experts.