SA vs BAN, 2nd Test, Day 1, Review: Dean Elgar, Markram pile on centuries as visitors struggle yet again

Dean Elgar and Aiden Markram scored centuries to put South Africa firmly ahead on the first day of the second Test in Bloemfontein. Bangladesh bowlers once again looked hapless on a track which offered bounce unlike the first game in Potchefstroom. Though the wicket didn’t live up to the hype or maybe the visitors couldn’t extract much from it. However, the hosts didn’t show any mercy as they piled on 428 for the loss of three wickets and have almost batted tigers out of the game.

Mushfiqur Rahim once again called correctly at the toss and invited trouble for his team. The visitors changed their entire bowling line-up except for Mustafizur Rahman and picked Subashis Roy, Taijul Islam and Rubel Hossain. South Africa were forced to make one change as Morne Morkel was ruled out of this match and was replaced by left-arm quick Wayne Parnell.

The decision to bowl proved horribly wrong in the very first hour as the openers Elgar and Markram scored almost at the rate of 4.5 per over. Both were hitting boundaries at ease and added 243 runs for the first wicket as they reached their respective tons. Elgar, the epitome of consistency this year scored his seventh Test century and his partner scored his maiden ton having missed out in the last match by mere 3 runs.

However, soon after reaching the milestone the former lost his concentration and pulled a short ball of Subashis only to top edge it to the fine leg fielder. He made a magnificent 113 off just 152 deliveries and his innings was studded with 17 fours. Soon after few overs, an excellent knock of Markram was ended with a searing inswinger from Rubel which clattered onto the middle stump of the batsman. The youngster cemented his place on a long-term basis by adding 143 to his tally with as many as 22 fours.

Amla and Du Plessis march towards their tons

There was a blip for the hosts as Bangladesh hit back with 3 wickets in 7 overs to reduce them to 288/3 with almost 28 overs to go in the day. But Hashim Amla and the skipper Faf Du Plessis played mixed caution with aggression and continued the good work started by their openers. Both got back control with a 140-run fourth wicket partnership, ending the day on 89 and 62 respectively. Their settling-in period didn’t last for too long as they took advantage of an older ball that wasn’t doing anything other than hitting the boundary boards.Once again, the shots played by Amla were elegant and pleasant to the eyes as he looked unflustered with a couple of wickets falling at the other end.

The decision to bowl after winning the toss yet again was baffling from Bangladesh as their bowlers didn’t support their captain. They were totally wayward as the spinner wa brought on in the first hour but to no avail. Somehow, they managed to pick 3 wickets but another long day awaits them on Saturday as the batsmen of South Africa in the middle would look to post a gigantic total.

However, Mushfiqur would love his bowlers to pick some early wickets in the first session and provide their batsmen with some respite. If that doesn’t happen, then they might be in for another forgettable day on their tour and a mountain to climb.

Brief Scores:

South Africa: 428/3 after 90 overs (D Elgar 113, A Markram 143); (S Roy 2/85)