SA vs IND | 3rd Test | Day 1: Pujara, Kohli provide resistance after openers falter in first session

India Test skipper Virat Kohli and mainstay Cheteshwar Pujara performed a rebuilding job for the visitors against South Africa in the first session of the third Test in Cape Town. Kohli after winning the toss, elected to bat first and openers KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal began the proceedings in a cautious manner. 

The two batters were looking steady when Duanne Olivier got into the act and provided the hosts with the first breakthrough. Olivier sent back India’s vice-captain for this series, Rahul for 12 after he was caught by Verreynne. The openers could only manage to put 31 for the first wicket on the board. 

Later, Kagiso Rabada didn’t take much time to send Agarwal packing as he was caught by Aiden Markram after edging one from the pacer to get dismissed for 15. India were reduced to 33/2 quickly but Pujara and Kohli steadied the ship and made sure that there were no further fall of wickets in the session. 

While Pujara looked to attack the bad deliveries or the ones that were in his slot, Kohli on the other side, took his time to get settled in the middle. India were 75/2 with Pujara at 26* and Kohli at 15* when lunch was called. The three-match series is presently levelled at 1-1.