The Freedom Trophy of the 2021 edition has started, and Day 1 is already wrapped up. The day undoubtedly belonged to India, ending with a score of 272-3. And with the way they are going, it looks like there will be a mountain of runs which the Proteas will have to climb. So let’s have a look at what went into Day 1 of the first Test between South Africa and India.
Mayank-KL Shine
With speculations raised instantly after captain Kohli chose to bat on Centurion’s greenish pitch, the duo of Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul washed away all those doubts. Building an impressive century stand of 117 runs, both made sure that the South African bowlers go wicketless in the first session.
While Rahul looked more relaxed, Agarwal played boldly, providing an equal balance to the team’s run equation. Finally, Agarwal departed on 60, after putting the team in a stable position.
Pujara falls cheaply; Kohli provides some resistance
After Agarwal got out, Pujara joined him in the pavilion soon after, falling for a golden duck. An unassuming inside edge on the first ball and the pressure to perform continues to rise on this stalwart.
Later, the Indian captain came and was looking in great touch. But his old habit of chasing outside off again punished him, and he had to perish. Like the man before him who got out, the performance woes are piling up on the Indian skipper.
KL scores a century; Rahane looking flawless
Day 1 was KL Rahul’s day. An innings that can be described as a pure Test match batting, he has washed away all the wrongs of the last time he came to South Africa to bat. He is unbeaten on 122, and if the touch he was in continues on Day 2, then it will be a nail on the coffin for South Africa’s chances to win this match.
And speaking about the ‘touch’, Ajinkya Rahane, who was Rahul’s partner till the play stopped on Day 1, looked lavish in his 40-run innings of the day. No one would have guessed that this man has been out of form for a year, such was the confidence and stroke play he displayed.
Disappointing Proteas bowling attack
The brutality which South African bowling is known for over the years was missing on Day 1. Instead, their rustiness and inability to hit the fuller length consistently was evident in their bowling.
While Lungi Ngidi had the name on all the Indian wickets, his teammates completely missed the mark. The fact that their bowling ace, Kagiso Rabada, bowled seven no-balls, tells enough that they have some catching up to do on Day 2.