The first Test between India vs. South Africa started with a bang at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali on Thursday, with the Indian side coming crashing down at 201, and the visitors ending the day at 28 runs for two wickets.
When last reports came in, the Proteas batsmen are struggling to face the Indian spinners and were reduced to a score of 179/9. India are likely to get a lead.
Things didn’t seem very bright at the end of the first day for the visitors, given that they have lost two big wickets, and their star player, JP Duminy hasn’t recovered from his hand injury as yet.
Chandigarh pitch is just the perfect one for spinners, and no wonder nine wickets on the day went to the spinners, who had a gala time.
Things started with hope for the hosts as Virat Kohli won the toss and decided to bat first. Of course, the trick didn’t surely work as expected as India lost their probable player M Vijay, who despite trying hard had to leave with an LBW.
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S Dhawan left with a duck, and the players who had the power to deal with the issues created by the top order -Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane – couldn’t do much harm to the Proteas.
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Even on his 27th Birthday, Kohli didn’t have luck on the side before losing his wicket at one run to Rabada. The rest of the Indian batsmen didn’t have much to contribute, with WP Saha scoring a duck, and Jadeja pushing hard for those 38 runs.
Ashwin tried to bounce things for Indians as he picked up S van Zyl early while Plessis lost his wicket to Jadeja. The second day holds much importance for both sides as they look ahead to snatch the first test.
For South Africa, opener Elgar and Amla are batting with the score at 28/2.