Johannesburg, Jan 3 (UNI) India bowling all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin heaped praises on South Africa seamer Marco Jansen, saying the left-arm fast bowler bowled well on the opening day of the second Test on Monday.
The 21-year-old rookie helped the South African attack to bundle out India for 202. Jansen picked up four wickets - Mayank Agarwal, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant and R Ashwin.
"A left arm seamer always adds variety. He is special and has nice action. He bowled well today than in the first Test maybe there were nerves then," said Ashwin in a virtual press conference.
The off-spinner, however, stressed that all seamers in South African conditions have got wickets. The likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj too found success in the series so far.
At the stroke of stumps, Siraj pulled out at the last moment while delivering his last ball. It looked like the fast bowler had hurt his hamstring as he straightaway left the ground. The over was completed by Shardul Thakur.
When asked about Siraj's condition, Ashwin said, "Medical team is looking at Siraj closely. They will assess him overnight. I'm hoping he's fine."
KL Rahul's gritty fifty and Ravichandran Ashwin's crucial knock of 46 towards the end were the only high points of India's first innings.
Talking about the modest total, the off-spinner admitted that India were fell short. Ashwin added that any score in South Africa is tricky.
"A total here is tricky. You obviously want to post a good total and dominate. Maybe we are a bit short. Let's see."
The Indian attack came hard against South Africa. Shami got the early breakthrough as he trapped Aiden Markram. However, South Africa captain Dean Elgar (11 not out) and Keegan Petersen (14 not out) concentrated fiercely and saw off the day, with the hosts on 35/1 at stumps.
UNI PN