South Africa ended the first day of the second and final Test against India on Saturday at 247/6 with former Proteas fast bowler Dale Steyn noting that the team would be slightly disappointed to lose two wickets late in the day. After reaching 200 for four in the final session South Africa quickly lost Wiaan Mulder (13) and Tony de Zorzi (28) as the Indian bowlers mounted a strong fightback. I believe South Africa will be relatively pleased with their position although they’ll be a bit disappointed about losing two wickets towards the end of the day. The new ball came into play and India were able to break a key partnership of around 40 runs. Had South Africa lost three or four wickets instead they would have been very happy. Unlike the Kolkata pitch where wickets fell frequently this Guwahati wicket demands patience and consistent pressure. India bowled with discipline maintaining good lines and lengths. When opportunities arose they capitalised well supported by excellent catches from Rishabh Pant JioStar expert Dale Steyn said on ‘Cricket Live’ coverage. Dale Steyn also praised the partnership between Tony de Zorzi and Senuran Muthusamy who was included in the playing XI for this match and remained unbeaten on 25 at the close of Day One. He said the pair batted sensibly adding 45 runs for the fifth wicket. The partnership between de Zorzi and Muthusamy was very solid. I was a bit surprised to see Muthusamy promoted ahead of Verreynne but the two batted responsibly and put together a strong stand of 45 runs off 83 balls. Tony de Zorzi might be a bit frustrated especially taking the new ball late in the day when there was uncertainty about whether play would continue. Losing a wicket shortly afterward can be disheartening said Steyn. Tony de Zorzi probably expected more swing from Siraj so he may be annoyed at the shot that got him out. South Africa might have preferred to be five down but that’s cricket — the batsmen at the crease now must seize the opportunity. Batting under such pressure is challenging and sometimes bowling in the right areas makes the job easier he added. Kuldeep Yadav’s three-wicket haul stood out as the key bowling performance on the opening day of the inaugural Test at Barsapara Cricket Stadium. India’s disciplined bowling restricted South Africa to 247/6 in 81.5 overs before bad light brought the day to an early close. The left-arm wrist-spinner finished with impressive figures of 3/48 while Jasprit Bumrah Mohammed Siraj and Ravindra Jadeja claimed one wicket each. On a good red-soil pitch South African batters got solid starts but none managed to reach a half-century.