The surface at Eden Gardens once again became the centre of conversation, overshadowing the cricket on display during the first India–South Africa Test. With the match racing towards an early finish by the second evening, the pitch a lot of criticism from former and current cricketers, turning the focus away from the contest itself. South Africa were blown away for 159 in their first innings, and India managed only a slender 30-run lead in reply. By Stumps on Day 2, the visitors were struggling at 93 for 7, and their their advantage was a minor 63-run lead. Pacers controlled the first session of the Test, while spinners took control afterwards, sharing 12 of the 17 wickets to fall across two innings as the pitch continued to offer unpredictable bounce and exaggerated turn.

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