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India has got off to a disastrous start in the second test of the ongoing India vs South Africa series. Winning the toss in the morning Indian captain Anil Kumble elected to bat first. However, Indian top order batsmen did not take long time to prove the Captain’s decision wrong being bundled out on 76 runs in which only two batsmen could contribute double digit score. At the end of the day South Africa put on 223 runs losing only four wickets.

Indian batting line up looked fragile and having seen their batsmen broken down so helplessly, India’s six hundred plus score in the first test seemed a fantasy. Bowling all rounder Irfan Pathan scored highest 21 runs not out, while Mahendra Singh Dhoni contributed 14 runs to the seventh lowest test innings of India and the second lowest at home.

However, it would be unfair if the South African pacers are not given enough credit. Particularly, Dale Steyn and Makhaya Ntini were ruthless with the new ball. Dale Steyn took five Indian wickets, while Ntini took three. Another pacer Morne Morkel took the two other wickets.

Chasing such an unexpected total of 76, South Africa started off well with 78 run coming in the first wicket. However, as Harbhajan Singh took three quick wickets the touring side seemed fragile for some time, but Jacques Kallis and AB de Villiers are now leading South Africa to a huge lead in the first innings.

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Cricinfo