IND vs SA, 3rd Test, Day 1: Rain Stops Play After Rohit, Rahane Mayhem; IND: 224/3

Opener Rohit Sharma was batting on 117 and was accompanied by vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane (83*)

A total of 6 overs could be bowled after the tea break as the bad weather in Ranchi hindered the ongoing third Test between India and South Africa. By the time on-field umpires called for the covers, India were on the driver seat with a score of 224/3. Opener Rohit Sharma was batting on 117 and was accompanied by vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane (83). After facing some hefty blows in the first session, the hosts made a terrific comeback post-lunch break. Rohit and Rahane came together to rescue the Indian innings, stitching a 185-run 4^th wicket stand. Rohit changed gears in the second session as he dealt in boundaries and hit the South Africa spinners into the stands. On the other hand, Rahane was happy to play along the ground. But he too showed intent as he scored at a good pace. The South African spinners though failed to rise to the challenge after Kagiso Rabada put the Indians on the back foot in the first session. While skipper Virat Kohli decided to bat immediately after winning the toss, the visitors decided to make good use of the new ball. India lost in-form opener Mayank Agarwal in the fifth over for 10. Cheteshwar Pujara, who came in next, once again fell prey to an inswinging delivery from Rabada as he was trapped leg-before wicket. With the score reading 16/2, skipper Kohli walked in. While Kohli did try to steady the innings along with Rohit, but he had to walk back after the duo put on 23 runs for the third wicket. Anrich Nortje ended his 12-run inning by trapping him in front of the wickets to earn his maiden Test wicket.