SA vs IND: 2nd Test, Day 1: Proteas in command as Indian batsmen fold early

Having never lost a Test at the Wanderers in Johannesburg, India went into Day 1 of the 2nd Test with a bit of an advantage. But that advantage was quickly and swiftly taken away by South Africa, who showed up with a strong bowling performance. The visitors were dealt a huge blow with the absence of Virat Kohli, who suffered an upper back spasm and was replaced by Hanuma Vihari. The Proteas further added salt to an already wounded Indian side.

Let’s take a look at the talking points from the day:

Rahul’s monk-like knock

Had it not been for stand-in captain KL Rahu’s gritty half-century, India would have probably not made it even to the 200-run mark. Rahul and his opening partner Mayank Agarwal got off to a decent start but the latter fell on 26. It was Rahul who took charge of the innings from thereon, holding fort at one end. He eventually succumbed on 50, but his innings lasted 133 deliveries and provided India the perfect platform to build on.

Pujara, Rahane fail yet again

With Kohli already out of the equation, it was even more critical for Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane to get back among the runs. Instead, their rough path even further, with both batsmen falling cheaply. While Pujara turned his back after scoring just 3, Rahane followed suit and bagged a golden duck. Once again, India’s middle order came under firing, putting even more pressure on the entire team.

Marco Jansen’s impressive outing

South Africa walked in the 2nd Test on the back of a massive loss in Centurion but that didn’t dent Jansen’s confidence to come shining. He disrupted India’s opening order and went on to take 4 wickets on the crucial opening day. Jansen was even instrumental in the hosts’ bowling line-up in the last game.