South Africa vs India 2013: 1st Test, Day 2 - Heroes of the day

2. Ishant Sharma

He provided the much needed breakthroughs initially. He wrapped Alviro Petersen on the pads before tea, and struck twice just after tea. A beauty of an incoming delivery cleaned up Amla who had intended to leave the ball alone, which came nipping back and hit his stumps.

Kallis was dismissed leg before on the very next delivery to a delivery of sheer pace. At the end of the day’s play, Ishant had figures of 3/64 in his 20 overs.

Sharma’s bowling today brought India right back into the game when they were on the verge of being ousted totally owing to the steady partnership between Smith and Amla that added 93 for the 2^nd wicket.

Cool customer Amla’s was the most crucial wicket, because he could have been very dangerous and would have piled on the runs if not dismissed before he got going.

Petersen, who looked a bit out of sorts and was unable to middle the ball on many occasions, came as the first success for the Indians.

Captain Dhoni might tell Ishant to open the bowling when play resumes tomorrow, because he was the most successful bowler today against the Proteas.