As India’s batting collapsed against South Africa, Aiden Markram’s incredible one-handed catch at second slip electrified the Guwahati stadium and stole the show. India was in serious trouble at 119/6 after Nitish Kumar Reddy fell victim to the spectacular grab. India moved closer to a possible follow-on thanks to Marco Jansen’s outstanding bowling.
Short Ball Trouble: How Nitish Kumar Reddy Was Unsettled by Steep Bounce
As India’s innings deteriorated further on the third day of the second Test at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Monday, Aiden Markram displayed a moment of pure athletic brilliance that left teammates in disbelief and social media in disarray.
India’s hopes were further dashed moments into the second session when captain Rishabh Pant (7) edged Marco Jansen behind after an ugly attempt at a slog and burned a review on the way out. The team was already reeling at 102/4 at tea after losing four wickets in a chaotic opening session.
However, the 42nd over marked the true turning point and the moment that electrified the stadium. After Jansen’s vicious short ball destroyed all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, Markram stole the show with one of the series’ and possibly the year’s best catches.
Nitish was forced to make an awkward fend that ballooned off the bat’s shoulder in the direction of the slip cordon as the delivery reared sharply. Markram, who was positioned at second slip, launched himself full length to his right and, at full stretch, plucked the ball with one hand in midair.
The South African players immediately surrounded him, and replays, which are currently making the rounds on the internet, demonstrated how narrow the gap was between genius and impossibility.
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s Crucial Wicket Sparks India’s Middle-Order Meltdown
In reaction to South Africa’s commanding first-innings total of 489, Nitish was dismissed for 10 off 18 balls, leaving India at 119/6.
The momentum has been drastically changed by Jansen’s post-tea outburst. On a pitch that is still acting strangely, the left-arm quick extracted steep bounce and unnerved India’s middle order.
India faces the possibility of continuing with just the lower order left and a huge deficit ahead—unless a rescue act shows up.