After the nightmarish series loss to New Zealand last year, there were growing calls for playing on more balanced surfaces. But what appeared to be a typical Indian wicket at the Eden Gardens seemed more of a struggle for batters from either side in the ongoing first Test match between India and South Africa, with spinners running the show.

On Saturday, Ravindra Jadeja produced a masterclass in spin bowling to seize control for the home side on a dramatic second day, returning figures of 4 for 29 as South Africa crashed to 93 for 7 in 35 overs at stumps. Despite holding a 63-run lead, the visitors were left reeling, and with 16 wickets falling in the day, the contest remained finely poised heading into Day Three.

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South Africa had earlier dismissed India for 189, limiting t

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