Centurion: India posted 83 for no loss at lunch on Day 1 of the first Test against South Africa here at SuperSport Park on Boxing Day (Sunday).
While Mayank Agarwal was aggressive on 46 not out, KL Rahul remained unbeaten on 29. After opting to bat first, India openers Mayank and Rahul beat the shine and bounce successfully in the first session. In the absence of Rohit Sharma, who was ruled out due to a hamstring injury, vice-captain Rahul took the strike.
Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi kept the things tight in their opening spells but Mayank punched through the covers region to bring in India's first boundary. Soon, when Rahul was on zero, South Africa half-heartedly reviewed for caught behind but it was turned down.
Debutant Marco Jansen was hit for three boundaries by Mayank in his first over. The left-arm fast bowler again conceded two back-to-back fours before creating a chance to take his maiden Test wicket.
Mayank nicked the ball but wicket-keeper Quinton de Kock dropped, giving the Indian opener a life on 36 in the 18th over. Both Mayank and Rahul gave a solid start to India before leaving for a well-deserved lunch after 28 overs. (UNI)
