IND vs SA, 2nd Test, Day 1: Mayank-Pujara Fifty Partnership Puts India In Strong Position At Lunch

South African bowling attack did trouble the Indian batsmen but managed to get only one wicket of Rohit Sharma

India batsmen Mayank Agarwal and Cheteshwar Pujara's fifty partnership after Rohit's departure put India is a commanding position on Day 1 of the first Test at Pune. India were 77/1 after 25 overs at Lunch. South African bowling attack did trouble the Indian batsmen but managed to get only one wicket of Rohit Sharma. Openers Mayank Agarwal and Rohit Sharma started the innings on Day 1 by taking on speedsters Philander and Rabada. After few appeals and close calls, India openers batted cautiously against the 'red cherry' and managed to survive despite facing trouble from the pitch that gave some assistance to Proteas seamers. Rohit Sharma's magic failed to work this time as Rabada got the big breakthrough by getting the 'man-in-form' caught behind for just 14-runs. It was for the 4th time 'lethal Rabada' dismissed Rohit in Tests. After Rohit's departure, it was all on Mayank and Pujara to deliver for national squad by conquering the trio of Rabda, Philander and Nortje. After 19 overs, Skipper Faf brought his front line spinner Keshav Maharaj into the attack to break partnership between the confident looking Indian batting duo. However, India headed into the Lunch with Mayank and Pujara bringing up fifty run-stand among them for the second wicket to put India in a strong position. The Pune Test vs India is the 9th straight Test in Asia, where skipper Faf Du Plessis did not win toss. However, losing the toss might be a blessing in disguise for the Proteas if they manage to make their way up in the second session. Teams: South Africa (Playing XI): Dean Elgar, Aiden Markram, Theunis de Bruyn, Temba Bavuma, Faf du Plessis(c), Quinton de Kock(w), Senuran Muthusamy, Vernon Philander, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje India (Playing XI): Mayank Agarwal, Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli(c), Ajinkya Rahane, Ravindra Jadeja, Wriddhiman Saha(w), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Shami