SA vs IND 2018: Advantage South Africa as India Bundled Out for 187

The first day of the third Test at the Wanderers belonged to the hosts South Africa as they dismissed India for a mere 187 in the first innings. Virat Kohli finally won the toss on tour and opted to bat first, a decision which raised many eyebrows. Ajinkya Rahane was included in the playing XI instead of Rohit Sharma. Another change made to the playing XI was the exclusion of the spinner Ravichandran Ashwin who has been replaced by Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

However, the decision seemed to have backfired as the tourists lost two early wickets in the form of KL Rahul and Murali Vijay. Rahul’s dismal run in the series continued as he was dismissed for a duck while on the other hand Murali Vijay disappointed once again as he flirted with a ball outside off stump and edged it to Quinton De Kock.

Indian skipper Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara then took the responsibility to steady the innings and batted out till the lunch break. Pujara who was dismissed run out in both the innings of the second Tests started his innings with a cautious approach and looked to steady the Indian innings. Pujara took 54 deliveries to open his account.

Virat Kohli then brought up his 16^th Test fifty courtesy some poor catching by the South African fast fielders. Kohli could not carry on his innings for too long after the milestone and was dismissed for just 54 off the bowling of Lungi Ngidi. Ajinkya Rahane then came in next in looked to make the most of the opportunity. However his first innings in the tour didn’t last too long and was dismissed for just 9.

India went into the tea break at 114/4. Pujara then completed his half century couldn’t play for too long and got out on 50. India then suffered a collapse as they lost Pujara, Parthiv Patel and Hardik Pandya at the same score of 144.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar then played a handy innings of 30 lower down the order and took India to a score of 187.

Kagiso Rabadawas the pick of the bowlers for the hosts as he picked up three wickets. On the other hand, Philander, Andile Phehlukwayo, and Morne Morkel picked up two wickets each. Lungi Ngidi picked up the important wicket of Virat Kohli.

India bowled six overs before stumps and reduced the hosts at 6/1. Bhuvneshwar Kumar who returned in this Test picked up the early wicket of Aiden Markram. Dean Elgar and Rabada were at the crease at stumps.

India- 187 all-out

South Africa- 6/1

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