On the second day against India, Tony de Zorzi and Dean Elgar formed a solid partnership, adding 93 runs for the second wicket, giving their team the upper hand. However, a twist of fate occurred as the partnership flourished.
In the 29th over, while facing one of Bumrah’s deliveries, Tony de Zorzi managed to hit a boundary. Interestingly, Virat Kohli, the former captain, approached the stumps, closely inspecting the bails. In a curious move, Kohli lifted the bails and swapped their positions. The intriguing part was that two balls later, this seemingly superstitious act proved to be a game-changer for India. Bumrah dismissed de Zorzi, caught at 3rd slip, showcasing the unpredictability and nuances of cricket that can turn the tide in unexpected ways.
Stuart Broad’s bail swap tactic made headlines once more, thanks to Virat Kohli’s ‘magic’ trick. Reacting to Kohli’s successful move, Broad tweeted, “With Success, Virat Kohli?!.” It’s worth noting that Broad employed the same tactic to dismiss Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne, who proved to be a thorn in the English bowling lineup during the final Ashes test at the Oval earlier this year.
Marnus Labuschagne faced roughly 81 deliveries, managing to amass only 9 runs during the Ashes Test. The English bowlers, headed by Stuart Broad, constantly implemented his elusive edge without much luck. True to his form, Broad launched the psychological fight against the Australians. In a classic twist of events, on the very next delivery, Mark Wood finally found the edge of Labuschagne’s bat. Joe Root, positioned at slip, displayed his prowess by collecting a stunning catch.
Dean Elgar is savoring his last test series, making a mark with his 14th test century at Supersport Park in Centurion. He, along with debutant David Bedingham, has propelled South Africa beyond the 200-run mark.
