"Unfair advantage" - Former South Africa pacer's huge statement on bad light after Day 1 of 2nd IND vs SA 2025 Test

Former South African fast bowler Vernon Philander reckons that batters are at a massive disadvantage during bad light situation in a Test match. He explained that batters can often get distracted as umpires gather to check the light and decide whether to go off or carry on.

South Africa won the toss and batted first on Day 1 of the second Test against India at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Saturday, November 22. The Proteas went to stumps at 247-6 after 81.5 overs when play was halted as the umpires deemed that the light was not good enough to carry on. The visitors lost the wicket of Tony de Zorzi (28) just before stumps were called on Day 1.

During a discussion on ESPNcricinfo, Philander opined that the ones who decide the rules of the game need to come up with a better solution to the bad light problem in Test cricket, so that neither side has a massive advantage. He said:

"It always seems to happen. When a wicket falls, the umpires get together and call it a day. As a batter, you certainly feel hard done by because you never know when the moment is going to arrive when the umpires are going to get together and say that the light is unfit. It's certainly an advantage for bowlers when the light starts fading and the artificial lights start taking effect. "I'd love to see a little bit more consistency around that. There are light meters around these days, but you certainly want the game to be played in as much natural light as possible. There is the fan aspect, where you want to prolong the day's play, but I still feel there is an unfair advantage towards the bowling side when that artificial light starts to take effect later on in the day," the former South African pacer added.

India took the new ball just before stumps on Day 1 in Guwahati. Mohammed Siraj struck to get the crucial wicket of the well-set De Zorzi, who was caught behind off a length ball that slanted away.

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Kuldeep Yadav starred with three wickets on Day 1 of 2nd India vs South Africa 2025 Test

Batting first after winning the toss, South Africa got off to a solid start as their openers Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton added 82 runs. Markram, however, was bowled by Jasprit Bumrah for 38, while Rickelton was caught behind off Kuldeep Yadav for 35.

Kuldeep dismissed Tristan Stubbs (49) and Wiaan Mulder (13) to end the day with figures of 3-48 from 17 overs. Left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja picked up the big wicket of Temba Bavuma (41).

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Edited by Renin Wilben Albert