The first day of the 1st Test between India and South Africa saw play halted due to bad light after KL Rahul’s resilient half-century propelled India to a total of 208/8
Highlights from Day 1 of the 1st Test between India and South Africa: KL Rahul’s determined fifty guided India beyond 200 before the proceedings were interrupted by bad light and rain
South African paceman Kagiso Rabada claimed five wickets, but KL Rahul’s resilient innings kept Indian hopes alive on the initial day of the first Test at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Tuesday. The day concluded prematurely with India at 208 for eight due to bad light followed by rain.
Rabada showcased brilliance for the hosts after they opted to bowl first on a rain-affected pitch. Despite the promising conditions, South Africa couldn’t fully capitalize. Debutant left-arm fast bowler Nandre Burger impressed early, taking two wickets. However, Marco Jansen and Gerald Coetzee struggled to maintain consistent control.
Rabada and Burger caused early trouble, reducing India to 24 for three. The situation could have been direr for India if South Africa hadn’t missed opportunities to dismiss Virat Kohli (38) and Shreyas Iyer (31) early in their partnership, which eventually yielded 68 runs for the fourth wicket.
Rabada dismissed both set batsmen and Ravichandran Ashwin in a three-wicket burst post-lunch. Iyer fell to a ball that cut back sharply, Kohli was caught behind by an excellent outswinger, and Ashwin was caught at third slip off a steeply-rising delivery.
KL Rahul and Shardul Thakur (24) added 43 for the seventh wicket, but Thakur faced two injuries, getting hit on the helmet and the right arm. He was caught at mid-off after the second injury. Rahul continued with composure, contributing 41 of the 44 runs scored after Thakur’s dismissal, facing 105 balls with ten fours and two sixes.
In the absence of Temba Bavuma, who left the field with a hamstring injury, stand-in captain Dean Elgar took charge. Bavuma’s participation in the match remained uncertain, with daily medical evaluations planned. Bavuma’s decision to bowl first wasn’t surprising due to the rain-affected conditions, although the Centurion ground historically poses challenges for batting later in matches due to uneven bounce.