South Africa vs India 2018: 1st Test, Day 2 - 5 things we learnt from the day

#4 Philander's screaming start

Vernon Philander is a beast of a bowler on seaming wickets

Big Vern turned up at Newlands with his tails up and tied down the Indian batsmen at the crease with impeccable control and niggardly lines. He bowled five maidens on the trot and conceded just one run in his six overs upfront. Though there was much less on offer for the bowlers on day 2, Philander barely lets go of anything loose and the Indians had nowhere to go to.

Cheteshwar Pujara had played through the pressure until lunch, facing a total of 91 balls for his 26. However, the first ball after lunch, the no.3 batsman chased a wide one from Philander and edged it to the cordon to sink India further. He then snapped up Ravichandran Ashwin courtesy a screamer from Quinton de Kock behind the stumps.