Day one action of the third and final Test was cut short due to heavy rain in Ranchi
The Day One action of the third Test match between India and South Africa was called off early due to rain at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi on Saturday.
India got off to their worst start in the series against South Africa in Ranchi and lost three early wickets on in the innings.
Kagiso Rabada's excellent bowling proved to take the match in favour of the Proteas. However, after the dismissal of Mayank Agarwal followed by Cheteshwar Pujara and then Virat Kohli came in Ajinkya Rahane.
The Mumbai batsman along with Hitman Rohit Sharma changed the dynamics of the game post-lunch.
However, bad light interrupted play and later on heavy rain caused an early call-off.
Rabada ended the day with two wickets to his name and Anrich Nortje also picking up one wicket for his troubles.
Rohit Sharma (117*) and Ajinkya Rahane (83*) were India's two standout performers on the day with the bat as the hosts ended the day on 224/3 after 58 overs.
India: 224/3 (58 overs)
1. India win the toss and have opted to bat
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India have won the toss and have opted to bat. Ishant has been given a break. Shahbaz Nadeem makes his debut.
Faf du Plessis toss record in away Tests:
First seven Tests: seven tosses won (Won 4; Lost 1; Draw 2)
Last seven* Tests: seven tosses lost (Won 0; Lost 6)
Playing XI:
India (Playing XI): Mayank Agarwal, Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (C), Ajinkya Rahane, Ravindra Jadeja, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Shahbaz Nadeem, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Shami.
South Africa (Playing XI): Dean Elgar, Quinton de Kock, Zubayr Hamza, Faf du Plessis(c), Temba Bavuma, Heinrich Klaasen(w), George Linde, Dane Piedt, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi
Squad:
India: Mayank Agarwal, Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Wriddhiman Saha, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav/Kuldeep Yadav/Hanuma Vihari.
South Africa: Dean Elgar, Zubayr Hamza, Theunis de Bruyn, Faf du Plessis, Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock, Vernon Philander, Senuran Muthusamy, Dane Piedt/George Linde, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje/Lungi Ngidi.
2. Rabada strikes twice
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Mayank Agarwal and Cheteshwar Pujara are both sent back by Rabada.
For Mayank's wicket, Rabada's got the ball fuller. The length tempts Mayank who pushes lazily at it.
The edge is found and just about carries through to Elgar at third slip.
Agarwal c Elgar b Rabada 10(19) [4s-2]
As for Pujara, the movement ensured that he was beaten on the inside edge and rapped on the back pad.
Pujara lbw b Rabada 0(9)
Just the kind of the start the visitors were expecting.
India's score at the fall of 2nd wicket:
Vizag: 324
Pune: 163
Ranchi: 16
3. Not the start India were expecting - Kohli departs for 12
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Nortje's maiden Test scalp is Virat Kohli.
Perfect nip-backer from the pacer. Nortje shaped in sharply off the deck, Kohli plays all around it with feet chained to the crease.
It eludes the inside edge and thuds him on the pad around the knee roll.
Kohli lbw b Anrich Nortje 12(22) [4s-2]
Bowlers getting Kohli as their maiden Test wicket:
Kagiso Rabada
Alzarri Joseph
Senuran Muthuswamy
Anrich Nortje
4. Fifty for Rohit
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Rohit's drive is placed better this time as he beats mid-off to his right and with a fur gets his 50.
Rohit Sharma last 11 innings at home (Tests):
68*
2
82
51*
102*
65
50*
176
127
14
52* (last)
5. 50 for Ajinkya Rahane
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21 for Ajinkya Rahane!
India were teetering when he entered the arena after the wicket of Kohli. Eight boundaries in that half-century that comes right after the drinks break, and he raises his bat to the crowd and the dressing room in composed elation.
6. 6th Test 100 and 2000 Test runs for Rohit Sharma
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6th Test 100 and 2000 Test runs for Rohit Sharma.
He takes off his helmet amidst the showering applause (and rain).
A toss-up outside off, Rohit gets on his knee and pulverizes this over wide long-off. He raises his arms and high-fives Rahane, who looks happier.
Test centuries with a SIX on most occasions: (Indians)
6 - Sachin Tendulkar
2 - Gautam Gambhir / ROHIT SHARMA
7. Play interrupted due to bad light and now Rain
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Bad light stoped play, but South Africa wouldn't mind this. After taking three quick wickets, and an amazing first session, the Proteas could not manage the same momentum post-lunch.
The match officials have now officially called off the match for the day due to rain.
Rahane and Sharma will kick start India's innings again when play resumes tomorrow.
