With South Africa trying to reduce the deficit in the ongoing second Test match, a maiden five-wicket haul by Shardul Thakur put India in a strong position on Day 2 in Johannesburg. The pacer dismissed captain Dean Elgar (28), Keegan Petersen (62), Rassie van der Dussen (1), Temba Bavuma (51) and Kyle Verreynne (22). Such was the pacer’s impact that former cricketers and experts took to Twitter to laud him for his effort. Ex-India all-rounder Irfan Pathan praised his bowling with an older ball. Taking to Twitter, he wrote, “Fantastic from shardul.Impressive bowling with an older ball!”
Fantastic from shardul.Impressive bowling with an older ball!
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) January 4, 2022
Meanwhile, Indian cricket commentator and journalist Harsha Bhogle called him a “captain’s dream”.
He wrote, “Got to admire Shardul Thakur. Love players with that kind of attitude. Captain’s dream.”
Got to admire Shardul Thakur. Love players with that kind of attitude. Captain’s dream.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 4, 2022
Former India batter Wasim Jaffer posted a funny video to pay tribute and captioned it as, “SA batters facing charged up Lord Shardul today Well bowled @imShard”.
SA batters facing charged up Lord Shardul today Well bowled @imShard #SAvIND #LordShardul pic.twitter.com/jZqGOGSnZ1
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) January 4, 2022
Former player Vinay Kumar wrote, “Bowling more in domestic cricket will help a fast bowler to use the old ball to the fullest of his ability. Congratulations #ShardulThakur on your fifer”.
Bowling more in domestic cricket will help a fast bowler to use the old ball to the fullest of his ability. Congratulations #ShardulThakur on your fifer #INDvSA #TeamIndia @BCCI
— Vinay Kumar R (@Vinay_Kumar_R) January 4, 2022
“Shardul Thakur makes the second session too in favour of his team. South Africa likely to take first innings lead, India need to ensure this isn’t more than 25-30”, tweeted journalist Ayaz Memon.
Shardul Thakur makes the second session too in favour of his team. South Africa likely to take first innings lead, India need to ensure this isn’t more than 25-30
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) January 4, 2022
Here are the other reactions:
Fifty and gone!
Shardul Thakur gets Temba Bavuma to complete his maiden Test five-for
Watch #SAvIND live on https://t.co/CPDKNxoJ9v (in select regions) #WTC23 | https://t.co/WrcdXdQlUm pic.twitter.com/tPMdv6085h
— ICC (@ICC) January 4, 2022
Guess that’s why he’s called Lord Shardul Thakur hey? Great spell! #SAvIND
— Chloe-Amanda Bailey (@ChloeAmandaB) January 4, 2022
Exactly 12 months ago, Shardul Thakur spent 1.5 hours bowling his heart out in the SCG nets, even indulging in a bouncer battle against Rohit Sharma, with hopes of a Test recall that wasn’t to be. A year on, he’s a cult hero & very much an intergal member of the Test team #SAvIND
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) January 4, 2022
Well done Shardul @imShard pic.twitter.com/pi9873T6KE
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) January 4, 2022
India were initially bowled out for 202 runs on Day 1 and also faced a major top-order collapse.
In response to India’s first innings total, the Proteas put in a cautious start in the final session on Day 1 before losing Aiden Markram.
Promoted
On Day 2, half-centuries by Petersen and Bavuma turned the tide towards the hosts but a stunning spell by Shardul brought India back into the game.
With both teams having left for Tea session, the hosts will be aiming to reduce the deficit in Johannesburg.
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