Skipper Rahul top-scored with 50, while all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin also played a handy knock of 46 to ensure the visitors breached the 200-run mark. Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah also chipped in with a crucial 14 off 11 balls featuring three boundaries, including a six.
The six by Bumrah garnered the attention of many, including his wife Sanjana Ganesan, who was in the stands. It all happened during the 62nd over of India’s first innings when Bumrah decided to take on Proteas pacer Kagiso Rabada.
On the third ball of the over, Rabada bowled a short ball, but Bumrah went for a hook shot and smoked the red leather over the fine-leg region for a maximum. His wife Sanjana seemed to enjoy the hit as she was spotted clapping and smiling.
Here is the video:
Fast bowler Marco Jansen was the pick of the bowlers for his side. The 21-year-old Jansen, playing in only his second test, bagged four wickets for 31 in 17 overs. Apart from Jansen, Rabada (3/64) and Duanne Olivier (3/64) bagged three wickets each.
Notably, the tourists are playing this match without their star batsman Virat Kohli. The regular India Test skipper suffered a blow before the start and pulled out of the match due to an upper back strain. In his absence, Rahul is leading the Indian side.
Rahul, who has also been named captain for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Proteas, has become the 34th captain to lead India in the longest format. He is also the 4th India Test captain from Karnataka after Gundappa Viswanath, Rahul Dravid and Anil Kumble.
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