India looked rocked, standing at 23/3 against South Africa on the first day of the Boxing Day Test at Centurion's SuperSport Park. Opting to field first after winning the toss, South Africa's Temba Bavuma sent in Rohit Sharma's Indian squad to bat.
South Africa's debutant, Nandre Burger, efficiently dismantled India's top order by dismissing opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and No. 3 batsman Shubman Gill in rapid succession. Burger's first wicket came in the form of Jaiswal, who departed for 17, nicking the bowl off his bat’s outside edge to South African wicket-keeper Kyle Verreynne. India’s third wicket came in the form of Shubman Gil’s departure of Shubman Gill, caught down the leg-side by Verreynne. Initially declared not out by the umpire, South Africa secured their third wicket within the opening hour after Temba Bavuma opted for a review.
Burger was on the verge of claiming a third wicket, that of India's key player, Virat Kohli, if Toni de Zorzi had managed to hold onto a seemingly straightforward catch at square leg. Both Shreyas Iyer and Virat Kohli were given a lifeline as South African fielders dropped catches, affording them second opportunities.
The duo settled into their innings and guided India to Lunch. By the end of the first session, the score stood at 91/3, with the Kohli-Iyer partnership amassing 67 runs off 89 balls. Although rain was initially predicted for the day, the sun was currently shining at SuperSport Park.
Despite the Proteas securing three early wickets, barring Kagiso Rabada, no other bowler seemed particularly threatening. Marco Jansen frequently veered off target, sending deliveries down the leg side, conceding easy runs. Meanwhile, Gerald Coetzee didn't appear too effective on a pitch that was offering assistance to the pacers.
In 23 Test matches in South Africa, India have won only four to date. Notably, India have never clinched a Test series in South Africa, and Rohit Sharma's team are eager to change that historical record.