Muthusamy’s maiden Test ton powers Proteas to commanding total in Guwahati
PROTEAS TOUR TO INDIA
Senuran Muthusamy celebrated his maiden Test century in Guwahati after a patient, composed knock that anchored South Africa’s first-innings total. Photo: AFP
Image: AFP
Proteas all-rounder Senuran Muthusamy continued his pursuit of a permanent Test spot with a maiden century on Day Two of the second Test at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati.
When Proteas Test coach Shukri Conrad and captain Temba Bavuma announced a playing XI with Muthusamy batting at number seven, ahead of Kyle Verreynne, very few would have approved.
Yes, Kyle Verreynne has been off form, having not scored big runs in the Pakistan Test series last month and in the first Test at Eden Gardens in Kolkata last week. However, Muthusamy did not have the record to justify batting ahead of Verreynne.
Conrad and Bavuma, however, must have seen something in the all-rounder's ability with the bat in subcontinental conditions.
On Sunday, the 31-year-old delivered a batting masterclass in Guwahati, one firmly rooted in discipline and patience, as he brought up a maiden Test century against a strong India bowling attack.
His knock included 10 fours and two sixes, validating the faith shown in him by Conrad and Bavuma in this important Test match at the ACA Stadium.
The left-handed batter drove a Mohammed Siraj length ball to the backward point region and unleashed the brightest smile in Guwahati, with teammates—including 12th man Kagiso Rabada—celebrating what was a monumental effort from the lower-order batter.
Alongside him, all-rounder Marco Jansen also impressed, scoring 93 off 91 deliveries as he attacked the India bowling attack from all angles.
The long-levered batter struck six fours and seven sixes, falling just seven runs short of a maiden Test century.
Muthusamy and Jansen combined for a 97-run stand for the eighth wicket, helping South Africa reach 489 all out in the first innings.
In reply, India ended the day on 9/0, with openers KL Rahul (2 not out) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (7 not out) negotiating South Africa's quicks, Jansen (0/9 in 4 overs) and Wiaan Mulder (0/0 in three overs).
South Africa will hope to dismiss India’s batting unit on Day Three and secure a substantial lead in the two match series, which they lead 1-0.
INDIA v SOUTH AFRICA | Second Test, Day Two
South Africa: 489 all out
Senuran Muthusamy 109; Marco Jansen 93; Kuldeep Yadav 4/115
India: 9/0