Guwahati Test: Aiden Markram’s Reflex Catch Removes Nitish Reddy on Day Three

On Day 3 of the second Test match between India and South Africa at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, South African opener Aiden Markram produced a breathtaking catch that has quickly emerged as a contender for "Catch of the Year." The 31-year-old fielder, positioned at second slip, reacted with extraordinary reflexes to dismiss India's Nitish Reddy, who was undone by a sharp bouncer from pacer Marco Jansen. As the ball glanced off Reddy's glove and ballooned to Markram's right, the athlete took two swift steps before launching himself full-length, snaring the catch one-handed with his right arm extended skyward in a gravity-defying dive. The moment, captured on video and shared widely on social media, has drawn widespread acclaim for its athleticism and timing, highlighting Markram's fielding prowess in a high-stakes encounter.

The dismissal was part of a dominant bowling display by South Africa, with Jansen leading the charge to claim 6-48—his career-best figures in Tests and the third-best by a South African pacer on Indian soil. This performance, complemented by off-spinner Simon Harmer's 3-64, triggered a middle-order collapse for India either side of the tea break, restricting them to 201 all out in their first innings while chasing South Africa's imposing total of 489. India's response was anchored briefly by opener Yashasvi Jaiswal's gritty 58, the highest score of the innings, with Washington Sundar contributing a resolute 48 lower down the order. However, the hosts struggled against the pitch's unexpected pace and bounce, which Jansen later credited for allowing the seamers to exploit conditions effectively after the spinners had laid the groundwork.

South Africa's decision not to enforce the follow-on allowed them to extend their advantage, closing the day with a commanding 314-run lead as Aiden Markram (12 not out) and Ryan Rickelton (13 not out) added an unbeaten 26 for the opening stand in just eight overs before stumps. Jansen, reflecting on his haul, noted the wicket's "nice pace and bounce," explaining how the team adjusted tactics after anticipating a prolonged fielding stint. "The spinners did a good job early on, and I am lucky to cash in," he said, adding that he had channeled frustration from missing a maiden Test century in the first innings into team-focused effort. This resilience underscores South Africa's growing confidence in subcontinental conditions, where they have historically faced challenges.

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As the series stands at 1-0 to the Proteas following their thrilling 30-run victory in the opener in Kolkata, they eye a historic first Test series triumph on Indian soil since the 2000-01 tour. The current match, part of the World Test Championship cycle, promises further drama on a surface that has favored the visitors' balanced attack. With India needing a substantial second-innings total to force a result, the focus will shift to their batting repairs and South Africa's ability to press home their dominance, potentially setting up a decisive finish on Days 4 and 5.

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