Kolkata: On the first day of the India vs South Africa Test series at Eden Gardens, India’s fast bowling ace Jasprit Bumrah etched his name in the record books. In a remarkable display, Bumrah surpassed Ravichandran Ashwin to become the third-highest bowled wicket-taker in international cricket for India.

A Record-Breaking Spell

During the opening day of the match, Bumrah claimed three crucial wickets — Ryan Rickelton, Aiden Markram, and Tony de Zorzi. His first wicket was Rickelton, who was clean bowled for 23 runs, marking Bumrah’s 152nd bowled dismissal in international cricket, surpassing Ashwin’s tally of 151. Now, only legends Kapil Dev (167) and Anil Kumble (186) remain ahead of him in this category.

Match Situation

At lunch on day one, South Africa was 105 for 3 wickets. After winning the toss and opting to bat, South Africa got off to a promising start, with openers Markram and Rickelton putting together 57 runs in 10.3 overs. However, Rickelton fell for 23 runs off 22 balls, followed by Markram’s dismissal for 31 runs in 48 balls, including 1 six and 5 fours. Captain Temba Bavuma managed only 3 runs off 11 balls.

Tony de Zorzi and Wiaan Mulder added 34 runs in 66 balls for the fourth wicket, taking the total past the 100-run mark before lunch. At that stage, de Zorzi was unbeaten on 15 off 38 balls, and Mulder on 22 off 43 balls.

Bowling Performance

Bumrah bowled 7 overs, conceding just 9 runs, and took 2 wickets by lunch. Kuldeep Yadav complemented him with 1 wicket for 24 runs in 7 overs, helping India maintain control early in the contest.

Bumrah’s milestone not only highlights his consistent brilliance but also reinforces India’s dominance in pace bowling on home soil.

(With inputs from IANS)