South Africa ended the second day at 39/3, trailing India by 463 runs in the first Test at Visakhapatnam on Thursday, 3 October.
After the hosts declared their innings at 502 for 7, Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin – who is playing a Test after almost 11 months – removed opener Aiden Markram for 5.
Theunis de Bruyn fell for four while Dane Piedt was dismissed for a duck, leaving the visitors tottering at 34 for 3. Temba Bavuma (2*) and Dean Elgar (27*) were batting at the end of day’s play.
Earlier in the final session of the day, India lost the wickets of Hanuma Vihari and Wriddhiman Saha. Vihari fell to Keshav Maharaj for 10 while Saha was caught out in the deep midwicket for 21. Ravindra Jadeja (30*) and R Ashwin (1*) were at the crease when the hosts declared their innings.
India Lose 4 Wickets in 2nd Session, Mayank Out on 215
India had taken Tea at 450/5 after an eventful second session which saw the hosts lose four wickets and add 126 runs.
Opener Mayank Agarwal departed after a brilliant 215, having smashed his maiden double century in his first Test innings at home. The 28-year-old batsman was caught out by Piedt in deep midwicket off a delivery by Elgar.
Earlier in the post-lunch session, Cheteshwar Pujara was dismissed for six on the first ball after the interval. Captain Virat Kohli followed him back to the hut after falling to debutant Senuran Muthusamy for 20. Ajinkya Rahane couldn’t stay too long at the crease either, departing for 15 (off 43 balls).
India had taken lunch at 324/1 with Mayank Agarwal then batting at 138*.
Rohit Departs on 176
Earlier in the day, India opener Rohit Sharma departed after a brilliant 176 (off 244 balls) as South Africa finally found a breakthrough in the first session of the day.
This brought an end to Rohit and Mayank Agarwal’s 317-run stand – the highest partnership for any wicket in Tests between India and South Africa, and also India’s third-highest opening partnership.
Mayank Agarwal Scores Maiden Test Ton
Earlier, Mayank Agarwal scored his maiden Test century, getting to the three-figure mark off 204 balls. His knock included 13 boundaries and two sixes. Rohit, on the other hand, got to 150 off 224 balls.
India continued to dominate proceedings the second day, having posted 290/0 in 78 overs as the South African bowlers still looked for a breakthrough.
Mayank and Rohit had started the day with India at a comfortable 202/0 against South Africa. Rohit, opening an innings for the first time in Test cricket, was batting at 115* while Mayank was unbeaten on 84.
On Wednesday, rain had prevented any play in the final session of the opening day of India’s first home Test of the season. Before that, Rohit scored his fourth Test century – his first in the format since November 2017. India had won the toss and opted to bat.
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