India vs South Africa: Newlands will always hold a special place, says Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah hailed Newlands in Cape Town and its importance in his heart as the Indian speedster won Player of the Series award in the series against South Africa. Bumrah had made his Test debut at this venue six years.

In 2024, Bumrah posted figures of 6/61 and ran through the Proteas middle-order with a menacing spell in the morning session on day two of the second Test. It saw off the hosts for just 176 runs and India coasted to a 7-wicket victory by chasing down 79 runs.

Aiden Markram’s counter-attacking century (106 off 103 balls) delayed the inevitable as the match ended inside four and a half sessions, becoming the shortest Test match.

“This ground will always hold a special place in my heart,” Bumrah, who took 12 wickets in the two-match Test series, said at the post-match presentation. “The journey started here in 2018, always have fond memories. Very happy it went well today.

“Our bowling unit was experienced and we wanted to make an impact. I didn’t expect the game to go this fast.” As many as 23 wickets tumbled on day one with the hosts being bowled out for 55 and the visitors for 153 before India lost three more wickets in their second innings.

In the second session of the second day, India romped home in just 12 overs.

On South Africa’s decision to batafter winning the toss, Bumrah said: “We wanted to bat first as well. Test cricket gives you surprises. Great series.”

India had a new-look pace bowling attack in the absence of injured Mohammed Shami, featuring the likes of Mukesh Kumar, Prasidh Krishna alongside Mohammed Siraj. On a spicy track, only Indian seamers took wickets.

“Our team is going through a transition but the message is the same — keep fighting. A lot of bowlers have been changed, the message in the team is, keep fighting.

“We fought it out in the last game as well. It requires a lot of patience. We are very happy that we were able to do it in this game.”

On a very quick Newlands pitch, offering inconsistent bounce, Siraj demolished the South African batting in the first innings, setting the tone for the win.

“It’s my best figures in Test career. I tried to be consistent and hit the right areas,” said Player of the Match Siraj, who ended with a career-best 6/15.

“I wasn’t consistent in the previous match and that’s why we leaked a lot of runs. Worked hard on consistency and tried to be relentless with my lengths.”

He further credited his senior bowling partner Bumrah for his success.

“When we play together with Jassi bhai, we analyse the wicket quicker and understand the plans.”