Mayank hits half-century, Pujara out on the first ball; Ngidi took all three wickets to fall, but South Africa’s attack did not make a cut
His batting has an uncanny quality about it. There is grace, flow and time.
Nevertheless, KL Rahul added application and flexibility to his natural gifts as he scored his seventh Test century.
The opener and vice-captain were unbeaten on 122 in the first Test at SuperSport Park here on Sunday as India were 272 for three at stumps on day one.
And under pressure Ajinkya Rahane was unbeaten on a fluent 40 of cover-drive, cut and pull.
Lungi Ngidi struck thrice for South Africa, but the hosts did not make a cut in the attack.
brave decision
India’s decision to bat was a brave one, given the possibility of overnight rain, cloud cover and moisture under the covers. But India, who picked five bowlers, prepared and then strengthened their openers to bat through early spells from Kagiso Rabada and Ngidi.
The game-plan was both attacking and strong. The Kookaburra ball loses its sting after the first 20 overs, there is also no significant reverse swing, and the batting becomes easier.
Rahul and Mayank Agarwal were leading. India were 83 for no loss at lunch and were on a good carry surface but not much seam movement.
Rahul’s head position is the key to his batting. With a steady head, he achieves significant balance.
During the period Rahul was in the Test jungle, his head was falling and he was vulnerable to an inbound delivery.
Now he has left it behind. His trigger movement moves him forward, but not too far; He does not have exaggerated leg movement.
And his bat comes down harder than in a relaxed posture. He can quickly shift his weight to the back leg for a horizontal bat stroke.
Rabada’s direct drive scorched the ground. Smooth-stroke Rahul played shots from both sides, but none better than a gorgeous front-foot cover-drive off Ngidi. A compact batsman with the right attitude, Mayank took precautions with aggression. Earlier he used to open up because his left shoulder and left leg were not aligned properly. Mayank has removed this hassle.
amazing choice
Proteas was blown away by the Indian opening pair. Surprisingly, left-arm pacer Marcus Jansson was handed the Test debut ahead of the more experienced Duane Olivier.
Jensen is quick and brings in the left-hander’s angle. But he got his line wrong and Mayank threw him on the wrist for a boundary. And Janssen could not get the ball over the wicket to a right-handed batsman, which was crucial for a left-handed batsman.
However, Janssen should have dismissed Mayank (at 36) when he went one far to find the lead, but a diving Quinton de Kock came up with thin air.
After lunch, when Rabada tested him with a shoddy lifter, Mayank gazed at the ball, rose on his toes and held the ball down with soft hands. This sight would have made coach Rahul Dravid happy.
Eventually, a resurgent Ngidi made a swift comeback in Mayank (60) to win the referral for a leg-before decision and end the opening stand of 117.
Then, on his next ball, Ngidi dismissed Cheteshwar Pujara, who pushed the forward, a deftly placed delivery at deep short leg.
Virat Kohli flicks a cover-drive and flicks with enthusiasm, but then, chases down a wide from Ngidi to be held at slip for 35.
Like a rock, Rahul and Taza Rahane stopped the move.
India is benefiting from this from day one.
score board
India 1st innings: KL Rahul batting 122 Mayank Agarwal lbw b Ngidi 60 Cheteshwar Pujara c Pietersen b Ngidi 0 Virat Kohli c Mulder b Ngidi 35 Ajinkya Rahane batting 40 Extra: (B-4 LB-4 NB-7) 15
Total: (for 3 wickets in 90 overs) 272
Fall of wickets: 1/117 2/117 3/199
South Africa Bowling: Kagiso Rabada 20-5-51-0, Lungi Ngidi 17-4-45-3, Marco Janssen 17-4-61-0, Vian Mulder 18-3-49-0, Keshav Maharaj 18-2-58-0.
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