The third test between India and South Africa at Wanders Stadium, Johannesburg saw an exciting cricket on day 1. Virat Kohli won the toss, elected to bat first. Apart from Kohli, Pujara who scored half-centuries and contribution from Bhuvneshwar Kumar helped India post 187. In reply, South Africa lost an early wicket of Markram as hosts ended the day on 6 for 1.
The Indian captain Virat Kohli won the toss for the first time and elected to bat first. KL Rahul was dismissed for 0 by Vernon Philander. His opening partner Murali Vijay struggled and could contribute only 8 runs. Cheteshwar Pujara opened his account on the 54th ball while Virat Kohli played some lovely shots. Team India went on the lunch break at 45 for 2.
In the second session, Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara looked positive hitting the bad balls away for boundaries. Captain Kohli reached his half-century off 101 balls. Lungi Ngidi dismissed Virat Kohli ending 84 runs stand for the 3rd wicket. Rahane came to the crease and was given a chance from the bowler. Before the tea break, Rahane was dismissed. At end of the second session, India were 114 for 4.
The final session saw Pujara looked in good touch and completed his half-century off 173 balls. Indian team lost 3 wickets in succession of Pujara, Parthiv Patel, Hardik Pandya to leave visitors at 144 for 7. Bhuvneshwar Kumar played a crucial knock of 30 runs. Team India was bowled out for 187. All the South African bowlers shared between wickets them.
In reply, Bhuvneshwar Kumar dismissed Aiden Markram for 2 runs. Kumar bowled with great control swinging the ball both ways. South Africa ended the first day on 6 for 1.
India 187 in 76.4 overs ( Virat Kohli 54, Cheteshwar Pujara 50, Bhuvneshwar Kumar 30, Rabada 3/39)
South Africa 6 for 1 in 6 overs ( Elgar 4*, Rabada 0*, Bhuvneshwar Kumar 1/3) trail by 181 runs.
