The Proteas’ bowling attack dismantled India’s top order on Day 1, claiming three wickets in the first session. After losing three wickets for just 49, the duo of KL Rahul and Hanuma Vihari tried to calm things down. It looked like India were rebuilding in the post-lunch session with the pair of Rahul, and Vihari added 42 runs for the fourth wicket.
However, the partnership was broken by Rassie van der Dussen‘s outstanding catch at the short-leg position. It all happened during the 39th over of India’s first innings bowled by Kagiso Rabada. The right-armer delivered a short and quick delivery directing at Vihari’s ribs.
Vihari stretched a little forward and tried to fend it away but ended up getting an inside edge that lobbed towards a short leg. Van der Dussen showed dazzling reflections, diving to his left, and plucked a stunning one-handed catch to cut short Vihari’s innings.
Here is the video:
Earlier, India won the toss and elected to bat first. The home team entered the game with one change in the form of regular skipper Virat Kohli, who missed out due to an upper back spasm. In the absence of Kohli, Vihari was added to the playing XI, and Rahul was appointed to lead the side as stand-in captain.
“Unfortunately, Virat has had an upper back spasm, the physios are working on him, and hopefully, he’ll recover for the next Test. Hanuma Vihari comes in place of Virat. Just the one change. It was a good Test at Centurion overall. We really performed well as a team and are really excited about this match,” said Rahul during the toss.
The home team also made one change by including Kyle Verreynne to replace Quinton de Kock, who had recently announced his retirement from the longest format.
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