Guwahati Test: 0-5 loading? India lose openers in chase of 549 at stumps on Day 4
A commanding declaration at 260/5, built on a superb 94 from Tristan Stubbs, left India staring at an almost insurmountable target of 549.
A commanding declaration at 260/5, built on a superb 94 from Tristan Stubbs, left India staring at an almost insurmountable target of 549.
Buoyed by a hard-fought 30-run win in the opening Test at Eden Gardens, the Proteas arrive here with confidence and opportunity on their side. The result not only gave them a 1-0 lead but also marked their first Test win in India in 15 years.
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“This was right up there for us. Coming to India, playing at Eden Gardens, doing something we haven’t done for 15 years, this is right up there,” he said, reflecting on the breakthrough result.
“It is obviously a special feeling. Very proud to be up here. It is a team effort. This game was a clear example of everyone stepping up at the right times. Very special,” a proud Latham said.
Tom Blundell (30 not out) and Glenn Phillips (9 not out) returned unscathed with the BlackCaps building on to their 103-run first innings lead, added 198 runs for the loss of five wickets in their second essay at the end of the second day’s play.
While Sundar replaced left-arm leg-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, India made two more changes to the side that had lost the opening Test, with Mohammed Siraj and KL Rahul making way for Akash Deep and Shubman Gill.
Simmons, however, said that his focus remains on cricket, leaving behind all the outside noise as they prepare to take on the Proteas.
The day witnessed 453 runs being scored, making it the second-highest number of runs scored in a day’s play in Test cricket in India. Along with that, 10 wickets also fell on Friday.
