Consistent bowling by South Africans, result in another two wickets post lunch. Just three balls after lunch Pujara was forced to nick his wicket to the keeper, and a splendid bowling by Marco Jansen credited him an important wicket.
Ajinkya Rahane still struggles to score runs, which raise questions to the selectors of Indian team, since India had Shreyas Iyer in the squad too. The Indian batsman whose vice-captaincy’s role was withdrawn a few days back is in not in good touch lately. It is likely that Rahane will be losing his place if his poor form continues. He has also lost his role of vice-captain in the team which was now been given to opening batsman KL Rahul.
Kohli is standing alone with an impressive defensive mode, scoring 40 off 139, which includes a six. Virat pulled of for a six on Rabada’s bowling which edged up and reached to stands all the way over fine leg. Rishabh Pant has got a decent start of 12 off 30 with two boundaries in bag.
All beliefs lie on Kohli’s performance and a good partnership with the Rishabh Pant. Kohli-lead team have to play another two and a half hour of game or rather 36 overs to be able to bat on the second day as well.
With Pant coming in to bat, Ravichandra Ashwin will be ready if India loses yet another wicket after tea. Ashwin is said to have Virat’s confidence, who in a recent interview quoted Ashwin to be a good all-rounder, praising his contribution with both bat and ball. Post-tea India is set to resume with the score being 145-4.