Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan slammed other teams for criticizing Indian pitches after 23 wickets fell on the opening day at Newlands, Cape Town on Wednesday. South Africa were skittled out for a paltry score of 55 runs, their lowest-ever Test score since readmission to the red-ball version.

Mohammed Siraj was the chief destroyer in the first innings, bagging his best Test bowling figures of 6-15 in the nine overs he bowled. Furthermore, India could only manage 153 runs in the first innings, taking a lead of 98 runs. India could have closed the doors on South Africa as they were 153-4 but lost their last six wickets without adding a single run.

Moreover, South Africa lost three more wickets before the close of play on the opening day. The Proteas were also bowled out for 176 runs in the second essay and thus India require 79 runs to level the series.

The Newlands pitch was a minefield for the batters but it has been noted that Indian pitches often come under scrutiny when there is a lot of help for the spinners.

Irfan Pathan wrote on X, previously Twitter, “When overseas cricketers come to India on turning pitches they shouldn’t complain. It’s a skill they need to improve!”

Pathan added that India needs to build a strong bowling unit and they should look to strengthen their bench. Jasprit Bumrah had lacked support in the opening Test match against South Africa, which India lost by an innings and 32 runs.

Pathan said on Star Sports, “India need to build a good fast-bowling unit. Look what happened in South Africa. The back-ups weren’t just ready. I won’t say that they lack quality, but since they weren’t ready, you felt Shami’s absence. So that means, god forbid, if something happens to Bumrah, who we have seen has suffered from an injury owing to his bowling action, we won’t find any bowler of his quality. So India need to prepare a pool of 7-8 fast bowlers either through talent hunts or through Ranji Trophy.”

Jasprit Bumrah returned with impressive figures of 6-61 in the second essay.