Day 1 of the first Test between India and South Africa saw the visitors take firm control over the game, as the Indian batsmen did an excellent job against a South African attack that was noticeably not at its best, barring a spirited spell from pacer Lungi Ngidi.
With rains pouring on the previous day of the match, many wondered as to the condition of the pitch at the SuperSport Park at Centurion. Amidst some speculation over the behaviour of the pitch as the day progressed, Indian captain Virat Kohli won the toss and decided to bat first.
The Indian team was largely along expected lines, with Mayank Agarwal opening the batting with fellow Karnataka lad, and newly appointed vice-captain KL Rahul.
Former deputy Ajinkya Rahane was also included as his extended run in the Test squad looks to be in some danger, owing to a drop in form. Ishant Sharma was another notable absentee, as the Indians went for Shardul Thakur instead, who can offer a bit with the bat as well.
The South African squad did not offer many surprises either, although Duanne Olivier was a surprise exclusion. The talented Marco Jansen was presented with his maiden Proteas cap as he starts a promising Test career against the mighty Indians.
The Indian batsmen looked in good touch from the very beginning, as Agarwal took on the role of the aggressor. KL Rahul was far more watchful as he gave Mayank some solid support at the other end for the first session, as India were in the driving seat, going into lunch at 83/0. The visiting openers did give SA a few chances, but a poor fielding effort from the Proteas fielding unit went that all the chances went begging. This only compounded the Proteas’ problems, as their bowlers were also not at their best.
Agarwal continued on his good start as he brought up a well-constructed half-century, before falling to Lungi Ngidi for 60 after a well-taken review forced Marais Erasmus to overturn his initial decision. Ngidi doubled up the very next ball as Cheteshwar Pujara fell prey to a good tactical field setting by the SA captain Dean Elgar, walking back into the pavilion for a golden duck.
Opener KL Rahul was then accompanied by captain Virat Kohli, who looked to be in good form, getting on top of the ball, in complete control. Rahul and Kohli stabilised the ship after the dual jolt, adding 82 runs for the third wicket.
Rahul took it up a notch, as he started playing with a lot more freedom with the skipper at the other end. However, the partnership came to a premature end, as Kohli nicked it to the slip cordon once again, trying to fish outside the off stump. Ngidi got the prized wicket of the Indian captain, whose century drought continued.
Ajnkya Rahane walked in next, under huge pressure of facing the axe. Nevertheless, the veteran batsman showed no signs of nerves, as he played with intent from the very outset. The middle-order mainstay scored a series of boundaries as the end of the day’s play approached, as he supported Rahul perfectly, who was on course for a century.
As expected, he completed a fine century on Day 1, much to the appreciation of the Indian dressing room, on his very first day as vice-captain of the Indian Test match side. Rahul’s wonderful hundred, coupled with admirable efforts from Agarwal, Kohli, and the unbeaten Ajinkya Rahane, meant that India were well ahead at the end of Day 1.
Brief scores
India- 282/3 in 90 overs (Rahul-122*; Agarwal-60; Rahane-40*; Ngidi-3/45)
