Johannesburg, Jan 3 (UNI) South African assault on India continued in the second session as the hosts reduced the visitors to 146/5 at tea on Day 1 of the second Test here at Wanderers stadium on Monday.
South Africa used the bounce offered by the pitch to keep India in check. Lungi Ngidi created a chance but Hanuma Vihari, who was on 9, was dropped at point. On a wide outside off delivery, the right-hander slapped the ball but it went through Temba Bavuma's fingers.
Vihari added 11 more runs to his tally before Kagiso Rabada eventually got the breakthrough in post-lunch session.
On a typical short and quick Rabada delivery, Vihari got an inside edge that lobbed towards short leg. Rassie van der Dussen, who was stationed at the region, dived to his left and completed a blinder with his left hand at the stroke of drinks.
Vihari looked more solid but could not make the most of the opportunity which he got only after regular captain Virat Kohli was ruled out due to an upper back spasm.
The stand-in India captain and opener KL Rahul brought up his gritty fifty off 128 balls. However, soon after his 13th Test half-century, Rahul gave away his wicket on a Marco Jansen bouncer.
South Africa placed two men in the deep, waiting for Rahul to make a mistake. The India opener went for a pull shot but got a top edge which went towards fine leg. Rabada came a few steps forward and took a low catch, reducing India to 116/5.
Rishabh Pant and Ravichandran Ashwin rebuild India's innings and ensured the visitors don't lose any more wicket going into tea break. While Pant is on 13 not out, Ashwin is unbeaten on 24.
Earlier, South Africa pacers gave the hosts a commanding start. While Jansen drew the first blood, Duanne Olivier picked up two consecutive wickets in the first session.
South Africa were all over India, reducing the visitors to 53/3 at lunch. Rahul and Mayank Agarwal were off to a watchful start but soon South Africa found their first success.
On a full-length Jansen delivery, Mayank got caught behind for 26. And soon Oliver struck for South Africa, removing struggling Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane on successive balls.
Pujara (3) tried to defend but the ball hit the shoulder of the bat and Temba Bavuma accepted a dolly at the point region. Oliver picked his 50th Test wicket as Rahane (0) got outside edge and Keegan Petersen caught him at gully.
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