The Rohit Sharma-led Indian cricket staff had a troublesome day in workplace because it misplaced eight wickets on solution to attain 208 at stumps on the primary day of the primary day of the primary Take a look at in opposition to South Africa. India have by no means received a Take a look at collection within the ‘Rainbow Nation’ and for the reason that present collection is simply a two-match affair, the margin of error can be much less. On Tuesday, in a rain-curtailed Day of the first Take a look at, after the top-order failed, Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer stitched a superb stand. Nonetheless, it was KL Rahul‘s unbeaten 70 off 105 balls that was essential in India going previous 200-run mark.
Former Indian cricket staff captain Sunil Gavaskar sounded optimistic nevertheless. “India have nice likelihood. This can be a very troublesome pitch to bat,” Sunil Gavaskar mentioned on Star Sports activities.
He earlier mentioned that India will stroll into 2024 with a win underneath their belt. “I believe they are going to as a result of I believe South Africa usually are not fairly the identical. Additionally, the South African batters aren’t fairly in type and that offers India a terrific alternative to win this sport,” Gavaskar instructed Star Sports activities.
“Indian batters, alternatively, have been in prime type in all of the matches. As you’ve got seen, they have expertise on their aspect with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma taking part in right here many occasions earlier than. So, clearly, I believe India will rejoice the New 12 months with a win.”
Rain performed spoilsport as nearly all of the third session was dominated out on Day 1 of the primary Take a look at between India and South Africa on Tuesday on the SuperSport Park.
On the finish of Day 1, India posted a complete of 208/8 in 59 overs with KL Rahul and Mohammed Siraj unbeaten with respective scores of 70(105)* and 0(10)*.
KL Rahul fought valiantly all through the time that he spent on the sphere. Whereas the remainder of the batters failed to beat Kagiso Rabada, he fought with vigour to take India’s rating previous the 200-run mark. Siraj additionally confirmed persistence throughout the 10 balls that he confronted he confronted.
The one casualty within the closing session was Jasprit Bumrah, who misplaced his persistence and ended up shedding his wicket to Marco Jansen after taking part in 19 balls.
4 wickets fell within the second session and all of them belonged to Rabada. His tempo left India’s batters with none solutions because the pacer thrived on a floor that supplied additional bounce.
He shifted the tides within the favour of the Proteas by dismissing set batter Shreyas Iyer for 31 after lunch.
Three overs later he dismissed Virat Kohli for 38 with a stunning outswinging supply. Ravichandran Ashwin misplaced his wicket with a fierce but correct bouncer.
He struck Shardul Thakur on his arm and on the following ball eliminated him from the crease for a rating of 24.
KL Rahul alternatively, confirmed aggression in his photographs however stored his temperament as properly. Earlier than the session was known as off, he received struck beneath his chin and acquired on-field remedy for it as properly.
With ANI inputs
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