KL Rahul kept India afloat with a battling fifty, after South African pace Kagiso Rabada wrecked havoc with a fifer as the visiting side ended a rain-interrupted first day of the Boxing Day Test on 208/8.
K.L. Rahul’s gallant half- century (70n.o., 105b, 10×4, 2×6) prevented a collapse and anchored India to 208 for eight against a South Africa pace attack commanded by Kagiso Rabada on the rain- elided day one of the first Test at the SuperSport Park then on Tuesday.
Rahul combined with Shardul Thakur for 43 precious runs and rescued India from 121 for six.
After being asked to club, India’s openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma looked set to play the waiting game. still, Rohit departed in the fifth over after his pull shot off Rabada was caught by Nandre Burger at fine leg.
Rabada missed the white- ball leg of India’s stint because of a heel injury, but showed no signs of rust as he took the new ball and settled into a neat line.
The day got indeed better for Burger as he convinced an outside edge from Jaiswal, who had shown casts of his capability to play pleasing strokes during his 37- ball stay, and also had Shubman Gill caught- behind.
Virat Kohli (38, 64b, 5×4) and Shreyas Iyer (31, 50b, 3×4, 1×6) made the utmost of their reprieves and put on 68 for the fourth gate. Rabada returned and reckoned for both of them, drawing up Iyer with a ball that nipped back sprucely and castled him before getting Kohli caught- behind with an outswinger.
The right- arm quick prised out R. Ashwin and Shardul to complete a well- justified fifer before rain forced beforehand near of play.
Still, South Africa had to deal with another injury blow after captain Temba Bavuma left the field in the first session with a hamstring strain and will be witnessing medical evaluations to determine if he could continue playing in the Test. Know More Latest Cricket News…
