(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] India take on South Africa in the first Test of the two-match series at the SuperSport Park, Centurion.
South Africa won the toss and opted to bowl first, asking India to bat on Day 1 at a bouncy and nippy surface.
As the hosts expected, things fell into place with India captain Rohit Sharma becoming the first victim of their plan. Rohit played a pull shot on a short-pitch delivery bowled by Kagiso Rabada and a fielder was stationed at the deep fine-leg region, who took an easy catch.
Debutant Nandre Burger did not waste much time to make his mark as the Indian batters felt an instant impact off his left-arm pace bowling. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill perished in a space of two overs, pushing India further down in a big hole.
However, Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer stood tall amidst the crisis. The duo adopted an aggressive approach, taking the bull by its horns. It paved the way for a 50-run partnership that remained unbeaten till the end of the first session.
Going into lunch, India’s score reads 91/3 in 26 overs with Kohli and Shreyas batting on 33 and 31 runs respectively.