In a captivating turn of events on Day 2 of the Boxing Day Test, Indian star Virat Kohli’s unorthodox move on the field may have just tilted the tide in India’s favor against South Africa. Just like England’s Stuart Broad, Kohli employed the curious strategy of flipping the bails, and within two deliveries, Jasprit Bumrah found the breakthrough, dismissing Tony de Zorzi for 28.
The dismissal broke a burgeoning partnership between de Zorzi and Dean Elgar (140*), who had been effortlessly navigating India’s bowling attack and threatening to erase India’s first-innings total of 245. Kohli’s intervention, inspired by Broad’s lucky charm, couldn’t have come at a better time for India, who were staring down the barrel of a frustrating second session.
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While Bumrah deserves due credit for executing the perfect delivery, the timing of the wicket and Kohli’s preceding action have undeniably added a layer of intrigue to the Test. The “bail-flip” incident has already sent social media into a frenzy, with fans debating its effectiveness and attributing mystical powers to the ritual.
Broad, the originator of this quirky tradition, has had moments where the tactic has seemingly worked wonders. During the Ashes this year, his bail flip preceded Marnus Labuschagne’s crucial wicket, a turning point in the match. Whether it’s pure coincidence or a stroke of psychological genius, there’s no denying the entertainment value this strategy adds to the game.
Back in Centurion, India still has a long way to go. Elgar remains unbeaten and South Africa holds a slender lead. But Kohli’s “bail-flip magic” has injected a much-needed dose of momentum into the Indian camp, proving that sometimes, even the unconventional can have a game-changing impact.
At stumps on Day 2, South Africa reached 256/5, with Elgar undefeated on 140 off 211 balls including 23 fours.
