NEW DELHI: Senuran Muthusamy displayed immense patience to score his maiden Test century, while Marco Jansen attacked freely as South Africa continued to pile on India’s woes, reaching 428 for seven at lunch on day two of the second Test.

After a steady morning and an 88-run stand for the seventh wicket with a stubborn Kyle Verreynne (45 off 122 balls), Muthusamy (107 not out off 203 balls) remained composed at the crease.

Jansen (51 not out off 57 balls) played aggressively, hitting Kuldeep Yadav (3/110 in 28 overs) and Ravindra Jadeja (2/78 in 26 overs) for four sixes in a lively 94-run stand for the eighth wicket.

Indian bowlers struggle to find rhythm

Apart from Jasprit Bumrah (1/63 in 28 overs), who bowled tirelessly and coaxed some reverse swing early in the session, the Indian attack, including the spinners, struggled to make an impact. Fatigue showed as boundaries came freely, and even Siraj’s occasional bouncers failed to unsettle the batters.

Muthusamy was watchful in the morning but became more adventurous after tea, following Jansen’s lead. He reached the 90s with a six over mid-wicket off Kuldeep, added a fine edge for four, and then pushed for two off Siraj to complete his first Test hundred.

Record and context

Muthusamy’s consistency in domestic cricket, with over 5,000 first-class runs and 10 centuries, along with his recent 89 not out against Pakistan, highlighted why India may have struggled to contain him. The only success for India came when Jadeja stumped Verreynne, who had batted admirably for the first two hours.

The Proteas’ use of the heavy roller indicated a pitch that would play true early but deteriorate by day three. The Barsapara track flattened considerably, offering little assistance to Washington Sundar and Jadeja.

Muthusamy’s solid front-foot defence and flowing drives underlined his dominance, and he survived a DRS review when adjudged leg before off Jadeja, showing that he was firmly in command.

(With PTI Inputs)