Why do you keep five-day Tests? - Aakash Chopra baffled by premature Test completion on African soil

South Africa registered their lowest-ever total against India in the second Test of the series in Cape Town. Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah and Mukesh Kumar’s carnage were too hot to handle for the Protea batters, as the hosts were bundled out for 55 runs. India looked good with the bat for the majority of the second innings but lost six wickets in 11 balls, which questioned the calibre of their batting under pressure. 

India took a lead of 98 runs, courtesy of Rohit Sharma (39), Shubman Gill (36) and Virat Kohli’s (46) double-digit scores. Meanwhile, former cricketer Aakash Chopra questioned the credibility of having five-day Test matches, as the first one ended in just three days, while the second is likely to end in two days. However, he expects the Rohit Sharma-led side to get the job done, unless the hosts manage to take a 150-run lead on Day 2.

“We have again taken three wickets (in the second innings). We are still well ahead in the game. The match will be over on the second day. Why do you keep five-day Test matches? The first match lasted three days and the second match will last two days,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

“I hope that doesn't happen, but the only chance for India to lose is if South Africa get a 150-run lead. Other than that, I feel we are in the driver's seat. So the expectation is that when this match ends, the series would be tied at 1-1 and we would have registered our first-ever win in a Cape Town Test,” the 46-year-old added.

The best of Miyan Magic is actually magical: Chopra

Mohammed Siraj breathed fire on the opening day of the second Test. The 29-year-old picked up a six-fer in the first innings, which demolished South Africa’s batting unit. Lauding him for his efforts, Chopra mentioned that the pacer is magical on his day and it’s what makes him special.

“You have to credit the Indian bowling for the way they bowled, especially Mohammed Siraj. This is what makes Siraj extremely special. The best of Miyan Magic is actually magical,” Chopra said.