The highly-anticipated India-South Africa series is underway and the Day 2 of the 1st Test Match at SuperSport Park was washed out after India made an impressive 272-3 on the opening day, with opener KL Rahul unbeaten on 122 alongside Ajinkya Rahane, who made 40* off 81. Earlier in the first session of Day 3, India lost seven wickets for 55 runs. It was expected that the well-set duo of KL Rahul and Ajinkya Rahane will take up a more attacking approach against the South Africa bowling.
The speedsters Lungi Ngidi and Kagiso Rabada came up with brilliant spells as they spoiled India’s plans to go past 400 in the first innings. The former scalped as many as six wickets while the latter picked up three wickets.
India bounce back stronger as Md. Shami picks up fifer
South Africa looked to put pressure on the Indian bowlers as South Africa openers Elgar and Markram came out to the crease, while Bumrah opened the attack for India. The pacer struck in the first over to make the breakthrough when he dismissed Elgar. The Proteas went to lunch at 21/1 and were reduced to 36/4 with India pacers rocking their top order.
Mohammed Shami picked up 2 wickets, while Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj helped themselves to a wicket each. However, Bumrah suffered an injury and was sidelined. After bowling the penultimate delivery of the 11th over of the first innings, Bumrah hobbled down to the ground after twisting his ankle on the side of the pitch.
He went down to the ground immediately in pain. With the Indian team surrounding him and the physiotherapist, it was decided that the pacer should leave the field for further treatment.
Shardul Thakur also entered the wickets column after he removed Quinton de Kock at the stroke of tea, reducing South Africa to 109/5 on an eventful day in Centurion. Shami struck again in the final session to take a couple more wickets and got his fifer. Shami tallied his 200th Test wicket and he becomes fifth Indian seamer to reach the milestone. India bundled out the hosts for 197.
In the 2nd innings, KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal started off a bit slow. The Men in Blue concluded Day 3 at 16/1 after Jansen dismissed Agarwal. Shardul Thakur, who came out as the night watchman and Rahul remain at the crease.
