Resuming on their overnight score of 202, the Indian openers were relentless in their pursuit as they accumulated the runs in the morning session at a brisk pace against the South African bowling, which at best looked pretty average on a docile batting track.
Mayank Agarwal brought up his maiden Test ton and emulated the feat of his senior partner Rohit Sharma. The duo broke a 15-year-old record for the highest opening stand for India in Test matches against South Africa held by Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir.
South African skipper Faf Du Plessis rotated his bowlers all through the morning session with the hope of getting the opening breakthrough. However, they could not find much success.
Spinner Keshav Maharaj eventually broke the gigantic partnership by dismissing Rohit Sharma for 176. The spinner drew the opener forward with a teasing delivery and Quinton De Kock did the rest by effecting the stumpings. After Rohit's dismissal, the ever consistent Cheteshwar Pujara joined Mayank Agarwal at the crease and played out the session with his typical dodged defence and water-tight technique.
India vs South Africa, 1st Test, Day 2
Brief Scores
India 324-1 at Lunch
Mayank Agarwal - 138, Rohit Sharma - 176
Keshav Maharaj - 1 for 121