South Africa 'disgrace' as Aaron Finch and Michael Vaughan weigh in

Questions are being asked of the pitch in Kolkata after 27 wickets fell in just two days in the first cricket Test between India and South Africa. And 15 of those wickets fell on the second day alone.

South Africa were reduced to 7-93 at stumps on day two as Ravi Jadeja took four wickets on a pitch with plenty of cracks. Balls were spinning dramatically, while some were staying low and others were spitting and kicking up.

The tourists managed just 159 in the first innings, before India took a 30-run lead with 189 of their own. At stumps on day two, only two batters had scored over 30 - Aiden Markram with 31 and KL Rahul with 39.

Spin played a huge role on day two as the pitch deteriorated dramatically. It's nothing that cricket fans aren't used to seeing on the dry pitches of India, but there was a real threat the match could end inside two days.

Temba Bavuma ensured the match didn't finish in an embarrassing two-day affair, scoring 29 not out from 78 balls by the close of play. But the match is still destined to end on day three, and debate has erupted about whether or not that's good for Test cricket.

Michael Vaughan and Aaron Finch give thoughts on pitch

Kolkata is hosting a Test match for the first time in six years, and many are speculating it might be longer before it hosts another one. Former England captain Michael Vaughan wrote on social media: "Awful pitch in Kolkata."

Others described it as a "disgrace" and a "mockery of Test cricket", although Aussie star Aaron Finch suggested it's better than matches where bat completely dominates ball. But overall, Finch agreed the pitch in Kolkata didn't strike the right balance and favoured the bowlers too much.

"I love seeing fielders crowding the bat and the ball spinning big, makes for great viewing. Interested to hear how others see it," Finch wrote. "I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, every ball is an event though and watching players try and work out a way to survive is fun to watch.

"When I was growing up watching Test cricket in India it was dominated by bat from day 1-3 and then bowlers had their fun. Maybe this is on the extreme side but it’s also fun to watch."

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Another person wrote: "Either play a 5 day Test match or reduce it to 3 day format. This is disgrace to cricket. Such type of pitches should be banned. Same for seaming pitches, too much of that also destroys Test cricket."

South Africa haven't won a Test in India for 15 years. Axar Patel said at stumps: “Playing attacking cricket is the only option as a batter. We can’t have a defensive mindset because you are never in. So we have to convert the loose balls (to runs). Patience is key on this surface. If we can keep them below 125, it should be chase-able tomorrow."

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