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Wed, 18 December 2013
LIVE Cricket! Kohli's century lifts India on Day 1 of 1st Test vs SA
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21:38
- Scorecard
STUMPS - DAY 1
India 1st inns: 255-5 (90 overs) vs SA
At close on day one, Rahane showed great discipline to reach 43 from 105 balls, hitting seven fours, while Dhoni made 17 from 46 balls.
India would be delighted to post 255 for five in 90 overs on the opening day after electing to bat, a decision which surprised quite a few at the start.
Kohli played one of his best knocks in international cricket, scoring 119 from 181 balls, with the help of 18 fours. He showed great discipline to weather the early storm after a couple of early wickets by leaving a lot of deliveries and waiting for the loose ball to score runs.
Morkel was SA's best bowler and gave the Indian batsmen lot to think about, taking one for 27 in 19 overs. Kallis, Philander and Steyn took a wicket each but at times bowled too wide or too short. Tahir struggled to find his rhythm and was hit for 47 runs in eight overs.
STUMPS - DAY 1
India 1st inns: 255-5 (90 overs) vs SA
At close on day one, Rahane showed great discipline to reach 43 from 105 balls, hitting seven fours, while Dhoni made 17 from 46 balls.
India would be delighted to post 255 for five in 90 overs on the opening day after electing to bat, a decision which surprised quite a few at the start.
Kohli played one of his best knocks in international cricket, scoring 119 from 181 balls, with the help of 18 fours. He showed great discipline to weather the early storm after a couple of early wickets by leaving a lot of deliveries and waiting for the loose ball to score runs.
Morkel was SA's best bowler and gave the Indian batsmen lot to think about, taking one for 27 in 19 overs. Kallis, Philander and Steyn took a wicket each but at times bowled too wide or too short. Tahir struggled to find his rhythm and was hit for 47 runs in eight overs.
21:35
- Scorecard
STUMPS - DAY 1
India 1st inns: 255-5 (90 overs) vs SA
Morkel to bowl the last over of the day. Dhoni shuffles a bit and tries to flick it on the leg side but misses and in struck on the pads, and yet again the LBW appeal is turned down.
Morkel tries to bowl outside the off-stump and Dhoni is content to watch them pass.
The fifth ball is full and comes in and Dhoni judges well to let it go..and then asks his partner Rahane as how to far it passed the off-stump.
The last ball is again full and on the stumps and Dhoni defends it on the leg stump.
STUMPS - DAY 1
India 1st inns: 255-5 (90 overs) vs SA
Morkel to bowl the last over of the day. Dhoni shuffles a bit and tries to flick it on the leg side but misses and in struck on the pads, and yet again the LBW appeal is turned down.
Morkel tries to bowl outside the off-stump and Dhoni is content to watch them pass.
The fifth ball is full and comes in and Dhoni judges well to let it go..and then asks his partner Rahane as how to far it passed the off-stump.
The last ball is again full and on the stumps and Dhoni defends it on the leg stump.
21:29
- Scorecard
India 1st inns: 255-5 (89 overs) vs SA
Rahane is looking to play for stumps as he lets the first three balls from Steyn go through. He makes a late decision to play the fourth ball which is closer to the off-stump but gets an inside edge on to his pads.
The fifth ball is wide and Rahane offers no stroke and does the same with the last ball.
India 1st inns: 255-5 (89 overs) vs SA
Rahane is looking to play for stumps as he lets the first three balls from Steyn go through. He makes a late decision to play the fourth ball which is closer to the off-stump but gets an inside edge on to his pads.
The fifth ball is wide and Rahane offers no stroke and does the same with the last ball.
21:26
- Scorecard
India 1st inns: 255-5 (88 overs) vs SA
Dhoni drives Philander on the off-side for a single before Rahane gets one from the next ball on the leg side.
Dhoni misses the flick and is struck on the pads before he defends the next delivery and offers no shot to the last one.
India 1st inns: 255-5 (88 overs) vs SA
Dhoni drives Philander on the off-side for a single before Rahane gets one from the next ball on the leg side.
Dhoni misses the flick and is struck on the pads before he defends the next delivery and offers no shot to the last one.
21:21
- Scorecard
India 1st inns: 253-5 (87 overs) vs SA
Dhoni taps Steyn on the off-side and steals a quick single. Rahane is beaten by a full delivery as he plays from the crease but the impact is above the pads and umpire Rod Tucker turns down the LBW appeal.
India 1st inns: 253-5 (87 overs) vs SA
Dhoni taps Steyn on the off-side and steals a quick single. Rahane is beaten by a full delivery as he plays from the crease but the impact is above the pads and umpire Rod Tucker turns down the LBW appeal.
21:18
- Scorecard
India 1st inns: 252-5 (86 overs) vs SA
Dhoni tries to play a wide delivery but gets an edge which falls short of the slips. He gets a leading edge trying to play the fourth ball on the leg side for a single.
Rahane defends the fifth ball before letting the last ball go through.
India 1st inns: 252-5 (86 overs) vs SA
Dhoni tries to play a wide delivery but gets an edge which falls short of the slips. He gets a leading edge trying to play the fourth ball on the leg side for a single.
Rahane defends the fifth ball before letting the last ball go through.
21:14
Interesting statistic from OptaJim on Twitter on Virat Kohli's century today.
"1 - @imVkohli hit a ton in his 1st Test innings against South Africa. He played six against Australia & England before hitting one. Instant."
"1 - @imVkohli hit a ton in his 1st Test innings against South Africa. He played six against Australia & England before hitting one. Instant."
21:13
- Scorecard
India 1st inns: 251-5 (85 overs) vs SA
Rahane growing in confidence. He takes a big stride and drives Steyn through the covers for his seventh boundary to take his score to 42 and help India cross the 250-run mark.
The next ball as expected is a quick bouncer which Rahane ducks under and plays out the rest of the over.
India 1st inns: 251-5 (85 overs) vs SA
Rahane growing in confidence. He takes a big stride and drives Steyn through the covers for his seventh boundary to take his score to 42 and help India cross the 250-run mark.
The next ball as expected is a quick bouncer which Rahane ducks under and plays out the rest of the over.
21:11
- Scorecard
India 1st inns: 247-5 (84 overs) vs SA
Dhoni is lucky as Philander gets one to bounce a bit more, taking the edge of the bat but it flies over the slips for a boundary.
He defends the next two deliveries before letting the last ball go through.
India 1st inns: 247-5 (84 overs) vs SA
Dhoni is lucky as Philander gets one to bounce a bit more, taking the edge of the bat but it flies over the slips for a boundary.
He defends the next two deliveries before letting the last ball go through.
21:06
- Scorecard
India 1st inns: 243-5 (83 overs) vs SA
Rahane plays a wonderful cover drive as he punches a short wide delivery through the off-side.
The next ball is a quick bouncer but it goes high over the batsman and even the keeper can't collect it, for five wides.
India getting some quick runs with the second new ball.
India 1st inns: 243-5 (83 overs) vs SA
Rahane plays a wonderful cover drive as he punches a short wide delivery through the off-side.
The next ball is a quick bouncer but it goes high over the batsman and even the keeper can't collect it, for five wides.
India getting some quick runs with the second new ball.
20:59
- Scorecard
India 1st inns: 234-5 (82 overs) vs SA
Philander to share the second new ball. The first ball is full which Rahane drives to the fielder at mid-off.
Rahane then rocks back and punches a short delivery through the covers for three runs.
Dhoni takes a couple of steps down the track and hits it hard to to the fielder at mid-off. He is beaten off the fifth ball before he edges the last ball but it goes on the bounce to the fielder at gully.
India 1st inns: 234-5 (82 overs) vs SA
Philander to share the second new ball. The first ball is full which Rahane drives to the fielder at mid-off.
Rahane then rocks back and punches a short delivery through the covers for three runs.
Dhoni takes a couple of steps down the track and hits it hard to to the fielder at mid-off. He is beaten off the fifth ball before he edges the last ball but it goes on the bounce to the fielder at gully.
20:55
- Scorecard
India 1st inns: 231-5 (81 overs) vs SA
Steyn to bowl with the second new ball. Dhoni sends the third ball crashing through the covers for a thundering boundary as Steyn overpitches outside the off-stump.
It is getting quite dark out at the Wanderers with a lot of black clouds overhead. The floodlights have been switched on.
India 1st inns: 231-5 (81 overs) vs SA
Steyn to bowl with the second new ball. Dhoni sends the third ball crashing through the covers for a thundering boundary as Steyn overpitches outside the off-stump.
It is getting quite dark out at the Wanderers with a lot of black clouds overhead. The floodlights have been switched on.
20:50
- Scorecard
India 1st inns: 227-5 (80 overs) vs SA
Kallis continues and he has made a good contribution with the ball including the key wicket of Kohli.
Rahane turns a short ball on the leg side for a single and Dhoni takes one from the next delivery.
India are 227 for five after 80 overs before SA take the second new ball right away and Steyn comes back in the attack.
India 1st inns: 227-5 (80 overs) vs SA
Kallis continues and he has made a good contribution with the ball including the key wicket of Kohli.
Rahane turns a short ball on the leg side for a single and Dhoni takes one from the next delivery.
India are 227 for five after 80 overs before SA take the second new ball right away and Steyn comes back in the attack.
20:46
- Scorecard
India 1st inns: 225-5 (79 overs) vs SA
Dhoni is hit on the body but a well directed short ball from Morkel. Two balls later he hammers a short wide delivery through the off-side for his first four.
Morkel tries another quick bouncer at Dhoni who lets it go but the umpires rule it a big high and call it a wide.
India 1st inns: 225-5 (79 overs) vs SA
Dhoni is hit on the body but a well directed short ball from Morkel. Two balls later he hammers a short wide delivery through the off-side for his first four.
Morkel tries another quick bouncer at Dhoni who lets it go but the umpires rule it a big high and call it a wide.
20:42
- Scorecard
India 1st inns: 220-5 (78 overs) vs SA
Dhoni gets off the mark with a single through the covers off Kallis. Rahane has shut shop as he blocks the last two balls of that over.
India 1st inns: 220-5 (78 overs) vs SA
Dhoni gets off the mark with a single through the covers off Kallis. Rahane has shut shop as he blocks the last two balls of that over.
20:36
- Scorecard
India 1st inns: 219-5 (77 overs) vs SA
Morkel comes back as Rahane watchfully plays out the over with a lot of caution. India will be looking to end the day without any more wickets, which will give them a slight upperhand.
India 1st inns: 219-5 (77 overs) vs SA
Morkel comes back as Rahane watchfully plays out the over with a lot of caution. India will be looking to end the day without any more wickets, which will give them a slight upperhand.
20:32
- Scorecard
India 1st inns: 219-5 (76 overs) vs SA
Kallis strikes with the key wicket of Kohli, who plays a loose shot and is caught in the covers after a brilliant innings of 119.
There was a bit of banter before that over as all the SA fielders went after Kohli and it seemed to have played a part.
Kohli did his job to perfection at No. 4, hitting 18 fours in his 181-ball knock. He put on 68 runs in 22.1 overs for the fifth wicket with Rahane but would be disappointed at not being able to carry on to play a big innings.
New batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni defends the last three balls of that over.
India 1st inns: 219-5 (76 overs) vs SA
Kallis strikes with the key wicket of Kohli, who plays a loose shot and is caught in the covers after a brilliant innings of 119.
There was a bit of banter before that over as all the SA fielders went after Kohli and it seemed to have played a part.
Kohli did his job to perfection at No. 4, hitting 18 fours in his 181-ball knock. He put on 68 runs in 22.1 overs for the fifth wicket with Rahane but would be disappointed at not being able to carry on to play a big innings.
New batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni defends the last three balls of that over.
20:26
- Scorecard
India 1st inns: 219-4 (75 overs) vs SA
Tahir continues to dish out freebies. A low full toss which Kohli hits to the fielder at cover and the next ball which is a bit short is hit to the fielder at deep square leg.
Kohli then takes a single on the leg side.
Rahane makes most of another full toss, hitting it past Amla at mid-on for his fifth boundary to take his score to 30.
Tahir has struggled with his control to give away 47 runs in seven overs.
India 1st inns: 219-4 (75 overs) vs SA
Tahir continues to dish out freebies. A low full toss which Kohli hits to the fielder at cover and the next ball which is a bit short is hit to the fielder at deep square leg.
Kohli then takes a single on the leg side.
Rahane makes most of another full toss, hitting it past Amla at mid-on for his fifth boundary to take his score to 30.
Tahir has struggled with his control to give away 47 runs in seven overs.
20:24
- Scorecard
India 1st inns: 214-4 (74 overs) vs SA
Kohli pulls a short ball from Kallis to deep square leg for a single while Rahane is content to defend the remaining two deliveries.
The partnership is 63 from 126 balls at a run rate of three runs per over.
India 1st inns: 214-4 (74 overs) vs SA
Kohli pulls a short ball from Kallis to deep square leg for a single while Rahane is content to defend the remaining two deliveries.
The partnership is 63 from 126 balls at a run rate of three runs per over.
20:17
- Scorecard
India 1st inns: 213-4 (73 overs) vs SA
Tahir comes back and his dirty habit of bowling loose deliveries continues. A low full toss which Kohli flicks through midwicket for an easy boundary. Two balls later he takes one to move to 117 to register his highest score in Test cricket.
India 1st inns: 213-4 (73 overs) vs SA
Tahir comes back and his dirty habit of bowling loose deliveries continues. A low full toss which Kohli flicks through midwicket for an easy boundary. Two balls later he takes one to move to 117 to register his highest score in Test cricket.
20:16
- Scorecard
India 1st inns: 208-4 (72 overs) vs SA
Kohli shuffles across and tries to flick Kallis on the leg side but is beaten and hit high on the pads and umpire Steve Davies rightly turns down the LBW appeal.
Rahane defends the rest of the over. He is looking quite comfortable.
India 1st inns: 208-4 (72 overs) vs SA
Kohli shuffles across and tries to flick Kallis on the leg side but is beaten and hit high on the pads and umpire Steve Davies rightly turns down the LBW appeal.
Rahane defends the rest of the over. He is looking quite comfortable.
20:09
Another interesting statistic from Mohandas Menon on Twitter comparing Kohli and Tendulkar.
"Virat Kohli at 24 years 43 days just recorded his 22nd 100 in intl cricket. At the same age Sachin Tendulkar had made 32 intl 100s," he writes on Twitter.
"Virat Kohli at 24 years 43 days just recorded his 22nd 100 in intl cricket. At the same age Sachin Tendulkar had made 32 intl 100s," he writes on Twitter.
20:09
- Scorecard
India 1st inns: 207-4 (71 overs) vs SA
Duminy bowls a low full toss which Rahane whips through midwicket as the fielder makes a good stop on the boundary to keep it down to two. The next ball is driven down the ground for a single to mid-off.
He then drops short which Kohli pulls over midwicket for a boundary before taking one.
Rahane then takes full toll of another short ball which he pulls square for another boundary.
12 runs from the over helps India cross the 200-run mark.
India 1st inns: 207-4 (71 overs) vs SA
Duminy bowls a low full toss which Rahane whips through midwicket as the fielder makes a good stop on the boundary to keep it down to two. The next ball is driven down the ground for a single to mid-off.
He then drops short which Kohli pulls over midwicket for a boundary before taking one.
Rahane then takes full toll of another short ball which he pulls square for another boundary.
12 runs from the over helps India cross the 200-run mark.
20:06
Meanwhile, the latest on Dale Steyn is that the pacer is down with cramps and should be back on the field soon.
20:05
- Scorecard
India 1st inns: 195-4 (70 overs) vs SA
Kallis comes into the attack in place of Morkel, whose miserly figures read one for 22 in 16 overs with eight maidens.
Kohli flashes at a wide delivery only to be beaten, a rare mistake from the right-hander.
However, he is quite solid for the rest of the over and defends watchfully.
India 1st inns: 195-4 (70 overs) vs SA
Kallis comes into the attack in place of Morkel, whose miserly figures read one for 22 in 16 overs with eight maidens.
Kohli flashes at a wide delivery only to be beaten, a rare mistake from the right-hander.
However, he is quite solid for the rest of the over and defends watchfully.
20:01
- Scorecard
India 1st inns: 195-4 (69 overs) vs SA
Kohli drives Duminy through the leg side and gets one to deep midwicket. Rahane hits the fifth ball on the off-side for a single before Kohli does the same from the last delivery to keep strike.
India 1st inns: 195-4 (69 overs) vs SA
Kohli drives Duminy through the leg side and gets one to deep midwicket. Rahane hits the fifth ball on the off-side for a single before Kohli does the same from the last delivery to keep strike.
19:58
Dale Steyn is looking in some problem as he walks gingerly before going off the field with the physio. Things not looking good for South Africa at the moment!
19:57
- Scorecard
India 1st inns: 192-4 (68 overs) vs SA
Rahane drives Morkel to mid-on where Tahir slips on the outfield and gives away a single.
Kohli thinks about pulling a short ball from Morkel but it rises quite steeply and he withdraws his shot at the last moment. The umpire has called it a wide for height.
He turns the last ball to deep midwicket for a single to retain strike.
India 1st inns: 192-4 (68 overs) vs SA
Rahane drives Morkel to mid-on where Tahir slips on the outfield and gives away a single.
Kohli thinks about pulling a short ball from Morkel but it rises quite steeply and he withdraws his shot at the last moment. The umpire has called it a wide for height.
He turns the last ball to deep midwicket for a single to retain strike.
19:52
- Scorecard
India 1st inns: 189-4 (67 overs) vs SA
Kohli turns Duminy on the leg side for one before Rahane taps the fourth ball on the off-side for a single.
Kohli defends the last two deliveries of that over.
India 1st inns: 189-4 (67 overs) vs SA
Kohli turns Duminy on the leg side for one before Rahane taps the fourth ball on the off-side for a single.
Kohli defends the last two deliveries of that over.
19:49
- Scorecard
India 1st inns: 187-4 (66 overs) vs SA
Morkel keeps it outside the off-stump to Kohli before one on the pads is turned to midwicket for a single.
Rahane continues to play cautiously and support Kohli from the other end.
India 1st inns: 187-4 (66 overs) vs SA
Morkel keeps it outside the off-stump to Kohli before one on the pads is turned to midwicket for a single.
Rahane continues to play cautiously and support Kohli from the other end.
19:46
- Scorecard
India 1st inns: 186-4 (65 overs) vs SA
Duminy from round the wicket as Kohli flicks him to midwicket for one and Rahane drives a full toss to the covers where a misfield gives him one.
Duminy drops short as Kohli turns him to deep midwicket for a single while Rahane blocks the last two deliveries.
India 1st inns: 186-4 (65 overs) vs SA
Duminy from round the wicket as Kohli flicks him to midwicket for one and Rahane drives a full toss to the covers where a misfield gives him one.
Duminy drops short as Kohli turns him to deep midwicket for a single while Rahane blocks the last two deliveries.
19:42
- Scorecard
India 1st inns: 183-4 (64 overs) vs SA
Kohli completes his second century away from home and becomes the eighth Indian batsman to hit a hundred in South Africa.
This was his first Test in century and he has delivered in some style. There were a lot of question marks over his technique after his failure in the ODIs and he has answered his critics in grand style.
Mohandas Menon on Twitter: Virat Kohli 5th Test 100 1st vs SA (in his first match) 2nd away from home 22nd in intl cricket 6th intl 100 in 2013.
Harsha Bhogle on Twitter: these is the kind of hundred that raises your stature in world cricket. well played virat kohli.
India 1st inns: 183-4 (64 overs) vs SA
Kohli completes his second century away from home and becomes the eighth Indian batsman to hit a hundred in South Africa.
This was his first Test in century and he has delivered in some style. There were a lot of question marks over his technique after his failure in the ODIs and he has answered his critics in grand style.
Mohandas Menon on Twitter: Virat Kohli 5th Test 100 1st vs SA (in his first match) 2nd away from home 22nd in intl cricket 6th intl 100 in 2013.
Harsha Bhogle on Twitter: these is the kind of hundred that raises your stature in world cricket. well played virat kohli.
19:37
- Scorecard
India 1st inns: 183-4 (63 overs) vs SA
Part-timer JP Duminy comes into the attack. Kohli drives the first ball through the covers and gets two runs as the sweeper stops it before he takes one on the leg side.
Rahane then goes back and cuts a short wide delivery to sweeper cover for a single.
Kohli then cuts a short wide delivery fine through the vacant thirdman region to move to 98. He flicks the next delivery through midwicket for two runs to bring up his century, from 140 deliveries.
What a superb knock under pressure from the youngster!!!!
India 1st inns: 183-4 (63 overs) vs SA
Part-timer JP Duminy comes into the attack. Kohli drives the first ball through the covers and gets two runs as the sweeper stops it before he takes one on the leg side.
Rahane then goes back and cuts a short wide delivery to sweeper cover for a single.
Kohli then cuts a short wide delivery fine through the vacant thirdman region to move to 98. He flicks the next delivery through midwicket for two runs to bring up his century, from 140 deliveries.
What a superb knock under pressure from the youngster!!!!
19:34
- Scorecard
India 1st inns: 173-4 (62 overs) vs SA
The maiden overs continue as Morkel bowls six tight deliveries to Rahane, who watchfully defends and does not try anything fancy.
India 1st inns: 173-4 (62 overs) vs SA
The maiden overs continue as Morkel bowls six tight deliveries to Rahane, who watchfully defends and does not try anything fancy.
19:28
- Scorecard
India 1st inns: 173-4 (61 overs) vs SA
A rare loose shot from Kohli as he goes after a short wide delivery from Steyn but is beaten as the ball moves away.
Steyn testing Kohli's patience by bowling it wide and inviting the right-hander to have a go at it. However, Kohli is content to watch the over pass for the third maiden in a row.
India 1st inns: 173-4 (61 overs) vs SA
A rare loose shot from Kohli as he goes after a short wide delivery from Steyn but is beaten as the ball moves away.
Steyn testing Kohli's patience by bowling it wide and inviting the right-hander to have a go at it. However, Kohli is content to watch the over pass for the third maiden in a row.
19:25
- Scorecard
India 1st inns: 173-4 (60 overs) vs SA
Morkel comes back, in place of Philander. He gets Rahane to edge the second ball but it falls short of the fielder in the slips yet again. The right-hander plays out the rest of the over for the second maiden over in succession.
India 1st inns: 173-4 (60 overs) vs SA
Morkel comes back, in place of Philander. He gets Rahane to edge the second ball but it falls short of the fielder in the slips yet again. The right-hander plays out the rest of the over for the second maiden over in succession.
19:22
- Scorecard
India 1st inns: 173-4 (59 overs) vs SA
The best part about Kohli's innings has been the number of deliveries he has left. He has showed great discipline to resist from having a go at wide deliveries and played a great role in rescuing India after the early wickets.
He carefully plays out a maiden over from Steyn.
India 1st inns: 173-4 (59 overs) vs SA
The best part about Kohli's innings has been the number of deliveries he has left. He has showed great discipline to resist from having a go at wide deliveries and played a great role in rescuing India after the early wickets.
He carefully plays out a maiden over from Steyn.
19:16
- Scorecard
India 1st inns: 173-4 (58 overs) vs SA
Kohli punches Philander through the covers, getting on top of the bounce nicely for a boundary. He takes a single from the next delivery to take his score to 90, having hit as many as 15 fours.
Rahane gets inside the line to one pitched on middle stump and turns it to midwicket for one.
A misfield at mid-on gives Kohli a single from the fifth ball.
India 1st inns: 173-4 (58 overs) vs SA
Kohli punches Philander through the covers, getting on top of the bounce nicely for a boundary. He takes a single from the next delivery to take his score to 90, having hit as many as 15 fours.
Rahane gets inside the line to one pitched on middle stump and turns it to midwicket for one.
A misfield at mid-on gives Kohli a single from the fifth ball.
19:11
- Scorecard
India 1st inns: 166-4 (57 overs) vs SA
Steyn to resume with Morkel once again being used as the first change bowler.
Rahane drives the third ball to the covers and gets a single before Kohli turns it to deep midwicket for another single with the field well spread out for him.
India 1st inns: 166-4 (57 overs) vs SA
Steyn to resume with Morkel once again being used as the first change bowler.
Rahane drives the third ball to the covers and gets a single before Kohli turns it to deep midwicket for another single with the field well spread out for him.
19:08
Mohandas Menon on Twitter: The average team score on the opening day at Johannesburg (last 5 Tests from Nov 2007): 251 runs for the loss of 9 wickets!
India look set to get past that mark, if they don't self-destruct in the final session.
India look set to get past that mark, if they don't self-destruct in the final session.
19:07
- Scorecard
India 1st inns: 164-4 (56 overs) vs SA
Philander to resume the post tea session and he will be bowling to Kohli. He plays a beautiful straight drive off the third ball but it goes straight to the fielder at mid-off.
It is a maiden over to begin the last session of day one.
India 1st inns: 164-4 (56 overs) vs SA
Philander to resume the post tea session and he will be bowling to Kohli. He plays a beautiful straight drive off the third ball but it goes straight to the fielder at mid-off.
It is a maiden over to begin the last session of day one.
18:45
- Scorecard
TEA - DAY 1
India 1st inns: 164-4 (55 overs) vs SA
This could probably be the last over the of the session. Kohli drives Tahir on the off-side for one before Rahane makes most of a full toss from the leggie for a boundary through midwicket.
The next ball is again a full toss which Rahane drives down the ground for back to back boundaries. He has raced to 12 from seven deliveries.
Tahir has been poor, giving away 37 runs in six overs, bowling a lot of short deliveries and a few full tosses.
Kohli has been superb with the bat, as he stroked his way to 84 from 113 balls, hitting as many as 14 fours, while Rahane made 12 from nine balls.
India are 164 for four in 55 overs at the tea break, having 94 runs in 28 overs in the post lunch session.
TEA - DAY 1
India 1st inns: 164-4 (55 overs) vs SA
This could probably be the last over the of the session. Kohli drives Tahir on the off-side for one before Rahane makes most of a full toss from the leggie for a boundary through midwicket.
The next ball is again a full toss which Rahane drives down the ground for back to back boundaries. He has raced to 12 from seven deliveries.
Tahir has been poor, giving away 37 runs in six overs, bowling a lot of short deliveries and a few full tosses.
Kohli has been superb with the bat, as he stroked his way to 84 from 113 balls, hitting as many as 14 fours, while Rahane made 12 from nine balls.
India are 164 for four in 55 overs at the tea break, having 94 runs in 28 overs in the post lunch session.
18:40
- Scorecard
India 1st inns: 155-4 (54 overs) vs SA
Philander strikes a crucial blow before the tea break as Rohit is caught behind for 14. He played away from his body without any footwork and that was a mindless shot considering the tea break is just round the corner.
Ajinkya Rahane walks in to bat at No. 6. The first ball swings away as Rahane makes a late decision to let it go as it looked he wanted to play it.
He gets off the mark with a delightful boundary, flicking a full delivery from Philander through midwicket. That's a confident start from the Mumbai youngster!
India 1st inns: 155-4 (54 overs) vs SA
Philander strikes a crucial blow before the tea break as Rohit is caught behind for 14. He played away from his body without any footwork and that was a mindless shot considering the tea break is just round the corner.
Ajinkya Rahane walks in to bat at No. 6. The first ball swings away as Rahane makes a late decision to let it go as it looked he wanted to play it.
He gets off the mark with a delightful boundary, flicking a full delivery from Philander through midwicket. That's a confident start from the Mumbai youngster!
18:34
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India 1st inns: 151-3 (53 overs) vs SA
Tahir comes back as SA are getting desperate to pick up a wicket before the tea break.
The second ball is short as Kohli hits him through the off-side but there is a sweeper in place for just a single.
Rohit defends the next deliveries before he takes one from the last ball to retain strike.
India 1st inns: 151-3 (53 overs) vs SA
Tahir comes back as SA are getting desperate to pick up a wicket before the tea break.
The second ball is short as Kohli hits him through the off-side but there is a sweeper in place for just a single.
Rohit defends the next deliveries before he takes one from the last ball to retain strike.
18:33
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India 1st inns: 149-3 (52 overs) vs SA
Philander comes in place of Steyn. Kohli plays a wonderful cover drive but can't beat the fielder inside the circle.
He gets a single from the fourth ball courtesy of a thick outside edge before Rohit plays out the last two balls.
India 1st inns: 149-3 (52 overs) vs SA
Philander comes in place of Steyn. Kohli plays a wonderful cover drive but can't beat the fielder inside the circle.
He gets a single from the fourth ball courtesy of a thick outside edge before Rohit plays out the last two balls.
18:32
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India 1st inns: 148-3 (51 overs) vs SA
Kohli flicks a full delivery from Kallis through midwicket for three runs to move into the 80s.
Rohit getting into his stride as he drives the fourth ball through the covers for a couple.
India 1st inns: 148-3 (51 overs) vs SA
Kohli flicks a full delivery from Kallis through midwicket for three runs to move into the 80s.
Rohit getting into his stride as he drives the fourth ball through the covers for a couple.
18:24
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India 1st inns: 143-3 (50 overs) vs SA
Rohit again edges one as he tries to drive but it goes to thirdman for a couple. Steyn testing his patience by keeping a tight line outside the off-stump.
India have reached 143 for three in 50 overs, with Kohli on 78 from 105 balls, while Rohit has made 11 from 29 balls.
India 1st inns: 143-3 (50 overs) vs SA
Rohit again edges one as he tries to drive but it goes to thirdman for a couple. Steyn testing his patience by keeping a tight line outside the off-stump.
India have reached 143 for three in 50 overs, with Kohli on 78 from 105 balls, while Rohit has made 11 from 29 balls.
18:19
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India 1st inns: 141-3 (49 overs) vs SA
Kallis gets Rohit to edge as he plays a loose drive but it falls short of the fielder at gully. He then turns the next ball on the leg side for one.
Kallis then attempts a short ball which swings way down the leg side and goes for five wides as keeper de Villiers is unable to get to it.
The next ball is again short and Kohli easily pulls it along the ground for another boundary to take his score to 78.
India 1st inns: 141-3 (49 overs) vs SA
Kallis gets Rohit to edge as he plays a loose drive but it falls short of the fielder at gully. He then turns the next ball on the leg side for one.
Kallis then attempts a short ball which swings way down the leg side and goes for five wides as keeper de Villiers is unable to get to it.
The next ball is again short and Kohli easily pulls it along the ground for another boundary to take his score to 78.
18:13
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India 1st inns: 131-3 (48 overs) vs SA
Rohit turns Steyn on the leg side for a couple before taking one from the next ball as he bottom edges the pull shot.
Kohli defends the next ball while letting the last ball go through.
India 1st inns: 131-3 (48 overs) vs SA
Rohit turns Steyn on the leg side for a couple before taking one from the next ball as he bottom edges the pull shot.
Kohli defends the next ball while letting the last ball go through.
18:12
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India 1st inns: 128-3 (47 overs) vs SA
Kohli is looking in ominous touch out in the middle as far as South Africa are concerned.
Kallis over-pitches and Kohli plays a picture perfect straight drive past the bowler for a boundary, reminding everyone of Sachin Tendulkar, who was known for his vintage straight drives.
India 1st inns: 128-3 (47 overs) vs SA
Kohli is looking in ominous touch out in the middle as far as South Africa are concerned.
Kallis over-pitches and Kohli plays a picture perfect straight drive past the bowler for a boundary, reminding everyone of Sachin Tendulkar, who was known for his vintage straight drives.
18:05
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India 1st inns: 124-3 (46 overs) vs SA
Steyn comes back for a new spell. Kohli plays an elegant straight drive for a boundary past mid-off and then takes a single to move to 70. He has looked in complete control today.
Rohit plays out the last three deliveries, taking time to get his eye in.
India 1st inns: 124-3 (46 overs) vs SA
Steyn comes back for a new spell. Kohli plays an elegant straight drive for a boundary past mid-off and then takes a single to move to 70. He has looked in complete control today.
Rohit plays out the last three deliveries, taking time to get his eye in.
18:03
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India 1st inns: 119-3 (45 overs) vs SA
Kallis comes into the attack in place of Tahir, who has been expensive bowling four overs for 26 runs.
Rohit taps the first ball on the off-side as Kohli comes down for a run but is called back and again the ball deflects off his bat, beating mid-on for four overthrows.
Rohit lets the next deliveries go through before he hits one on the stumps to the fielder at cover.
India 1st inns: 119-3 (45 overs) vs SA
Kallis comes into the attack in place of Tahir, who has been expensive bowling four overs for 26 runs.
Rohit taps the first ball on the off-side as Kohli comes down for a run but is called back and again the ball deflects off his bat, beating mid-on for four overthrows.
Rohit lets the next deliveries go through before he hits one on the stumps to the fielder at cover.
17:56
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India 1st inns: 115-3 (44 overs) vs SA
Morkel tries a quick bouncer to Rohit, who sways out of the line before taking a single from the fifth ball on the off-side.
This will be a big test for Rohit, who also struggled in the ODI series.
India 1st inns: 115-3 (44 overs) vs SA
Morkel tries a quick bouncer to Rohit, who sways out of the line before taking a single from the fifth ball on the off-side.
This will be a big test for Rohit, who also struggled in the ODI series.
17:50
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India 1st inns: 113-3 (43 overs) vs SA
Kohli takes a single from the first ball driving Tahir to the covers before Pujara gets one from the next ball.
Tahir again drops short as Kohli hammers through his favourite midwicket for a boundary.
However, against the run of play India lose the wicket of Pujara courtesy of a run out after a patient innings of 25 from 98 balls. Kohli tapped it on the leg side and initially set off for a run before deciding against it but Pujara was halfway down the track and there was no way back for him as Tahir ran across and passed the ball to Amla to whip off the bails.
Pujara and Kohli steadied the Indian innings as they put on 89 runs from 27.3 overs for the third wicket.
India 1st inns: 113-3 (43 overs) vs SA
Kohli takes a single from the first ball driving Tahir to the covers before Pujara gets one from the next ball.
Tahir again drops short as Kohli hammers through his favourite midwicket for a boundary.
However, against the run of play India lose the wicket of Pujara courtesy of a run out after a patient innings of 25 from 98 balls. Kohli tapped it on the leg side and initially set off for a run before deciding against it but Pujara was halfway down the track and there was no way back for him as Tahir ran across and passed the ball to Amla to whip off the bails.
Pujara and Kohli steadied the Indian innings as they put on 89 runs from 27.3 overs for the third wicket.
17:44
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India 1st inns: 107-2 (42 overs) vs SA
Pujara watchfully plays out a maiden over from Morkel, who has not made any impression in the post lunch session.
At the drinks break, India are looking comfortable on 107 for two in 42 overs. Kohli is on 60 from 86 balls, having hit 10 fours, while Pujara is on 24 from 97 balls, with the duo putting on 83 runs from 26.5 overs so far.
India 1st inns: 107-2 (42 overs) vs SA
Pujara watchfully plays out a maiden over from Morkel, who has not made any impression in the post lunch session.
At the drinks break, India are looking comfortable on 107 for two in 42 overs. Kohli is on 60 from 86 balls, having hit 10 fours, while Pujara is on 24 from 97 balls, with the duo putting on 83 runs from 26.5 overs so far.
17:37
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India 1st inns: 107-2 (41 overs) vs SA
Kohli seems keen to get after Tahir. He makes room and smashes a full delivery through covers for a boundary and the next ball is driven down the ground as mid-on, who is halfway back, stops to keep it down to one.
Pujara tries to drive through the gap in the covers but fails to beat the fielder and gets just a single.
India 1st inns: 107-2 (41 overs) vs SA
Kohli seems keen to get after Tahir. He makes room and smashes a full delivery through covers for a boundary and the next ball is driven down the ground as mid-on, who is halfway back, stops to keep it down to one.
Pujara tries to drive through the gap in the covers but fails to beat the fielder and gets just a single.
17:35
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India 1st inns: 101-2 (40 overs) vs SA
Pujara guides Morkel down to fine leg region for a single to take his score to 23. Kohli gets three runs from the final delivery to take India past the 100-run mark. What a superb comeback by the visitors following the failure of their openers.
India 1st inns: 101-2 (40 overs) vs SA
Pujara guides Morkel down to fine leg region for a single to take his score to 23. Kohli gets three runs from the final delivery to take India past the 100-run mark. What a superb comeback by the visitors following the failure of their openers.
17:30
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India 1st inns: 97-2 (39 overs) vs SA
Philander is taken off as leggie Tahir comes in his place. He drops the fifth ball short which Kohli pulls through midwicket for a boundary, his ninth, to bring up his fifty in some style from 76 deliveries.
India 1st inns: 97-2 (39 overs) vs SA
Philander is taken off as leggie Tahir comes in his place. He drops the fifth ball short which Kohli pulls through midwicket for a boundary, his ninth, to bring up his fifty in some style from 76 deliveries.
17:28
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India 1st inns: 93-2 (38 overs) vs SA
Kohli taps Morkel on the leg side and runs for a quick single as the ball hits his bat and goes for overthrows beating mid-off but he turns down the extra run.
Pujara continues to play with soft hands as he plays out the last three balls.
India 1st inns: 93-2 (38 overs) vs SA
Kohli taps Morkel on the leg side and runs for a quick single as the ball hits his bat and goes for overthrows beating mid-off but he turns down the extra run.
Pujara continues to play with soft hands as he plays out the last three balls.
17:24
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India 1st inns: 92-2 (37 overs) vs SA
Philander keeps bowling it outside the off-stump and Kohli is content to leave and wait for the loose deliveries.
The last ball is on the pads which Kohli looks to flick but gets a leg bye in the process.
India 1st inns: 92-2 (37 overs) vs SA
Philander keeps bowling it outside the off-stump and Kohli is content to leave and wait for the loose deliveries.
The last ball is on the pads which Kohli looks to flick but gets a leg bye in the process.
17:21
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India 1st inns: 91-2 (36 overs) vs SA
Morkel comes back as he replaces Steyn. Kohli seems in top form out in the middle as he smashes a short delivery through the covers for a cracking boundary to take his score to 46.
He turns the next ball to fine leg region for a single and Pujara does his job of defending the rest of the over.
India 1st inns: 91-2 (36 overs) vs SA
Morkel comes back as he replaces Steyn. Kohli seems in top form out in the middle as he smashes a short delivery through the covers for a cracking boundary to take his score to 46.
He turns the next ball to fine leg region for a single and Pujara does his job of defending the rest of the over.
17:15
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India 1st inns: 85-2 (35 overs) vs SA
Still no signs of Morkel as Philander continues. The first ball is down the leg side which Pujara tries to flick but misses and gets a leg bye.
Pujara confidently defends the next four deliveries before he takes a single from the last ball to retain strike.
India 1st inns: 85-2 (35 overs) vs SA
Still no signs of Morkel as Philander continues. The first ball is down the leg side which Pujara tries to flick but misses and gets a leg bye.
Pujara confidently defends the next four deliveries before he takes a single from the last ball to retain strike.
17:11
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India 1st inns: 84-2 (34 overs) vs SA
Steyn continues and this time he is bowling from over the wicket. Pujara is not giving an inch, content to defend, while leaving as many deliveries as possible outside the off-stump.
Steyn bowls one wide down the leg side which Pujara lets go before he taps the next one on the on-side for a single.
Kohli then pulls a short ball from Steyn through midwicket for a boundary in emphatic fashion. Steyn has a few words with the batsman after that shot.
India 1st inns: 84-2 (34 overs) vs SA
Steyn continues and this time he is bowling from over the wicket. Pujara is not giving an inch, content to defend, while leaving as many deliveries as possible outside the off-stump.
Steyn bowls one wide down the leg side which Pujara lets go before he taps the next one on the on-side for a single.
Kohli then pulls a short ball from Steyn through midwicket for a boundary in emphatic fashion. Steyn has a few words with the batsman after that shot.
17:07
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India 1st inns: 79-2 (33 overs) vs SA
Philander continues to disappoint. A few full deliveries followed by a rank long hop which Kohli hits through the covers for his sixth boundary to take his score to 37.
The right-hander defends the rest of the over as India continue to build.
India 1st inns: 79-2 (33 overs) vs SA
Philander continues to disappoint. A few full deliveries followed by a rank long hop which Kohli hits through the covers for his sixth boundary to take his score to 37.
The right-hander defends the rest of the over as India continue to build.
17:04
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India 1st inns: 75-2 (32 overs) vs SA
Steyn from round the wicket to Pujara as he starts with a short ball which the right-hander ducks under.
He switches to over the wicket for the next ball before swapping again for the third delivery.
He bowls another short delivery which Pujara ducks under before reverting to over the wicket.
Pujara is known for his ability to spend long time at the crease as he plays out a maiden over from Steyn, who seems to be losing his cool.
India 1st inns: 75-2 (32 overs) vs SA
Steyn from round the wicket to Pujara as he starts with a short ball which the right-hander ducks under.
He switches to over the wicket for the next ball before swapping again for the third delivery.
He bowls another short delivery which Pujara ducks under before reverting to over the wicket.
Pujara is known for his ability to spend long time at the crease as he plays out a maiden over from Steyn, who seems to be losing his cool.
16:59
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India 1st inns: 75-2 (31 overs) vs SA
Pujara taps Philander on the off-side for a single. Kohli defends the next delivery which letting the next four go through to the keeper.
Philander has hardly made an impact with the ball so far, bowling 10 overs for 28 runs without a single maiden.
India 1st inns: 75-2 (31 overs) vs SA
Pujara taps Philander on the off-side for a single. Kohli defends the next delivery which letting the next four go through to the keeper.
Philander has hardly made an impact with the ball so far, bowling 10 overs for 28 runs without a single maiden.
16:56
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India 1st inns: 74-2 (30 overs) vs SA
Steyn bowls a high bouncer to Kohli which slips down the leg side and is called a wide by the umpire.
That brings up the 50-run partnership between the two batsmen from 90 balls. Kohli has been the dominant partner, scoring 33 of those runs.
India are 74 for two in 30 overs.
India 1st inns: 74-2 (30 overs) vs SA
Steyn bowls a high bouncer to Kohli which slips down the leg side and is called a wide by the umpire.
That brings up the 50-run partnership between the two batsmen from 90 balls. Kohli has been the dominant partner, scoring 33 of those runs.
India are 74 for two in 30 overs.
16:55
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India 1st inns: 73-2 (29 overs) vs SA
Philander to bowl from the other end. Kohli lets the first two balls go through before he takes a single on the off-side.
Pujara is struck high on the bat by one which bounces a bit extra.
India 1st inns: 73-2 (29 overs) vs SA
Philander to bowl from the other end. Kohli lets the first two balls go through before he takes a single on the off-side.
Pujara is struck high on the bat by one which bounces a bit extra.
16:54
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India 1st inns: 72-2 (28 overs) vs SA
Steyn to start proceedings in the post lunch session. Pujara watchfully plays the first four balls before he takes two runs from the fifth ball.
India 1st inns: 72-2 (28 overs) vs SA
Steyn to start proceedings in the post lunch session. Pujara watchfully plays the first four balls before he takes two runs from the fifth ball.
16:07
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India 1st inns: 70-2 (27 overs) vs SA
After his below-par showing with the bat in the ODIs, Kohli has looked quite keen to make it count in the Tests.
India will be happy to post 70 for two in the first session after electing to bat, a decision which surprised quite a few experts.
Morne Morkel was the best bowler, taking one for six in six overs, but the other bowlers got carried away and bowled either too short or too wide at times.
India 1st inns: 70-2 (27 overs) vs SA
After his below-par showing with the bat in the ODIs, Kohli has looked quite keen to make it count in the Tests.
India will be happy to post 70 for two in the first session after electing to bat, a decision which surprised quite a few experts.
Morne Morkel was the best bowler, taking one for six in six overs, but the other bowlers got carried away and bowled either too short or too wide at times.
16:02
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India 1st inns: 70-2 (27 overs) vs SA
So, this will be the last over of the morning session as leg-spinner Imran Tahir is called in to bowl.
The first ball is short as Kohli rocks back and pulls it through midwicket for a boundary. He punches the second ball to the covers for one.
Another freebie from Tahir as Kohli pulls the last ball over midwicket for the second four of the over.
India have recovered well to reach 70 for two in 27 overs. Kohli has played positively to hit 32 from as many balls with the help of five fours, while Pujara has looked solid on 18 from 61 balls. The duo rallied India with an unbroken stand of 46 runs from 11.5 overs for the third wicket.
India 1st inns: 70-2 (27 overs) vs SA
So, this will be the last over of the morning session as leg-spinner Imran Tahir is called in to bowl.
The first ball is short as Kohli rocks back and pulls it through midwicket for a boundary. He punches the second ball to the covers for one.
Another freebie from Tahir as Kohli pulls the last ball over midwicket for the second four of the over.
India have recovered well to reach 70 for two in 27 overs. Kohli has played positively to hit 32 from as many balls with the help of five fours, while Pujara has looked solid on 18 from 61 balls. The duo rallied India with an unbroken stand of 46 runs from 11.5 overs for the third wicket.
15:58
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India 1st inns: 60-2 (26 overs) vs SA
Steyn beats Kohli with a full delivery which moves away and the right-hander is angry at himself for chasing that one.
The fourth ball is short but it drifts down the leg side as Kohli helps it round the corner for a boundary and then taps the next ball to the covers for one.
Pujara presents the full face of the bat as he defends the last ball of that over.
India 1st inns: 60-2 (26 overs) vs SA
Steyn beats Kohli with a full delivery which moves away and the right-hander is angry at himself for chasing that one.
The fourth ball is short but it drifts down the leg side as Kohli helps it round the corner for a boundary and then taps the next ball to the covers for one.
Pujara presents the full face of the bat as he defends the last ball of that over.
15:53
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India 1st inns: 55-2 (25 overs) vs SA
The Pujara-Kohli has steadied the Indian innings after the openers perished cheaply.
Pujara takes a single from the third ball before Kohli steers the next delivery through thirdman for three runs courtesy of some positive running between the wickets.
India 1st inns: 55-2 (25 overs) vs SA
The Pujara-Kohli has steadied the Indian innings after the openers perished cheaply.
Pujara takes a single from the third ball before Kohli steers the next delivery through thirdman for three runs courtesy of some positive running between the wickets.
15:50
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India 1st inns: 51-2 (24 overs) vs SA
Steyn comes back, replacing Morkel, who bowled six overs for six runs with a wicket.
Kohli clips the second ball through midwicket for a couple and then plays out the rest of the over.
India 1st inns: 51-2 (24 overs) vs SA
Steyn comes back, replacing Morkel, who bowled six overs for six runs with a wicket.
Kohli clips the second ball through midwicket for a couple and then plays out the rest of the over.
15:44
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India 1st inns: 49-2 (23 overs) vs SA
Philander drops it short and wide as Kohli slaps it past point who does well to stop it on the ropes for three runs.
Pujara then tries to play the cut shot but gets an edge which flies over the slip region for a boundary.
India 1st inns: 49-2 (23 overs) vs SA
Philander drops it short and wide as Kohli slaps it past point who does well to stop it on the ropes for three runs.
Pujara then tries to play the cut shot but gets an edge which flies over the slip region for a boundary.
15:41
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India 1st inns: 42-2 (22 overs) vs SA
Kohli has an edgy moment as he is caught in two minds on whether to leave the ball or upper cut it, as he eventually manages to get it over the slips for a four.
The next ball is full as Kohli gets an inside edge as he again tries to leave the delivery and it passes close to the stumps for a single.
Pujara is looking assured at the other end as he ducks under the short ball but is beaten all ends up by the last ball which narrowly missed the outside the edge.
India 1st inns: 42-2 (22 overs) vs SA
Kohli has an edgy moment as he is caught in two minds on whether to leave the ball or upper cut it, as he eventually manages to get it over the slips for a four.
The next ball is full as Kohli gets an inside edge as he again tries to leave the delivery and it passes close to the stumps for a single.
Pujara is looking assured at the other end as he ducks under the short ball but is beaten all ends up by the last ball which narrowly missed the outside the edge.
15:36
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India 1st inns: 37-2 (21 overs) vs SA
Philander comes back, replacing Kallis, who bowled four overs in his first spell.
He drops short as Pujara rocks back and hammers him through the covers for his first boundary.
The right-hander is content to defend the rest of the over as Philander keeps bowling short.
India 1st inns: 37-2 (21 overs) vs SA
Philander comes back, replacing Kallis, who bowled four overs in his first spell.
He drops short as Pujara rocks back and hammers him through the covers for his first boundary.
The right-hander is content to defend the rest of the over as Philander keeps bowling short.
15:32
- Scorecard
India 1st inns: 32-2 (20 overs) vs SA
Morkel gets Pujara to edge one but it falls short of Graeme Smith at first slip. That was the full delivery and Pujara was forced to play at it.
Another maiden over for Morkel, who has taken one for one in five overs with four maidens.
India are 32 for two in 20 overs.
India 1st inns: 32-2 (20 overs) vs SA
Morkel gets Pujara to edge one but it falls short of Graeme Smith at first slip. That was the full delivery and Pujara was forced to play at it.
Another maiden over for Morkel, who has taken one for one in five overs with four maidens.
India are 32 for two in 20 overs.
15:28
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India 1st inns: 32-2 (19 overs) vs SA
Three dot balls before Kohli takes on a short delivery from Kallis, using his wrists to keep the hook down for a boundary through square leg.
He bowls another short ball butt this time it goes very high over the umpire and is called a wide.
India 1st inns: 32-2 (19 overs) vs SA
Three dot balls before Kohli takes on a short delivery from Kallis, using his wrists to keep the hook down for a boundary through square leg.
He bowls another short ball butt this time it goes very high over the umpire and is called a wide.
15:23
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India 1st inns: 27-2 (18 overs) vs SA
Morkel continues to bowl the short deliveries as Pujara is content to duck under it. India will look to play out the remaining half hour before the lunch break without losing any more wickets.
India 1st inns: 27-2 (18 overs) vs SA
Morkel continues to bowl the short deliveries as Pujara is content to duck under it. India will look to play out the remaining half hour before the lunch break without losing any more wickets.
15:19
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India 1st inns: 27-2 (17 overs) vs SA
Kallis strays down the leg side to Pujara, who flicks it to square leg for two runs. He repeats the shot off the fifth delivery but gets only a single that time.
Kohli leaves the last ball as it passes close to the stumps.
The two youngsters have a big task ahead of them to repair the Indian innings and play out the dangerous Morkel.
India 1st inns: 27-2 (17 overs) vs SA
Kallis strays down the leg side to Pujara, who flicks it to square leg for two runs. He repeats the shot off the fifth delivery but gets only a single that time.
Kohli leaves the last ball as it passes close to the stumps.
The two youngsters have a big task ahead of them to repair the Indian innings and play out the dangerous Morkel.
15:15
- Scorecard
India 1st inns: 24-2 (16 overs) vs SA
Morkel gets the wicket he so deserved. Vijay plays away from his body, tries to drive a full delivery, but gets an edge and is caught by wicketkeeper AB de Villiers.
He batted hard for six from 42 balls before he also threw his wicket away with a loose shot.
Virat Kohli has to fill in the big shoes of Sachin Tendulkar at No. 4. India in trouble at 24 for two in the 15th over.
Morkel bowls a few back of length deliveries to Kohli, who defends that over.
Morkel has been superb so far, his figures read 3-2-1-1.
India 1st inns: 24-2 (16 overs) vs SA
Morkel gets the wicket he so deserved. Vijay plays away from his body, tries to drive a full delivery, but gets an edge and is caught by wicketkeeper AB de Villiers.
He batted hard for six from 42 balls before he also threw his wicket away with a loose shot.
Virat Kohli has to fill in the big shoes of Sachin Tendulkar at No. 4. India in trouble at 24 for two in the 15th over.
Morkel bowls a few back of length deliveries to Kohli, who defends that over.
Morkel has been superb so far, his figures read 3-2-1-1.
15:10
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India 1st inns: 24-1 (15 overs) vs SA
Kallis to Pujara. The first ball goes through to the keeper before the batsman ducks under the third ball which is short and going down the leg side.
Pujara then is struck high on the bat as Kallis gets one to bounce a bit extra.
SA's pacers continue their tactics of peppering the Indian batsmen with short deliveries.
India 1st inns: 24-1 (15 overs) vs SA
Kallis to Pujara. The first ball goes through to the keeper before the batsman ducks under the third ball which is short and going down the leg side.
Pujara then is struck high on the bat as Kallis gets one to bounce a bit extra.
SA's pacers continue their tactics of peppering the Indian batsmen with short deliveries.
15:04
- Scorecard
India 1st inns: 24-1 (14 overs) vs SA
Vijay continues his tactics of leaving as many deliveries as possible. Morkel's extra pace giving Vijay lot of problems. He tries to fend the fourth ball which lobs on the leg side but Hashim Amla at short fine leg is unable to take the catch despite making a diving effort.
No respite from India despite playing out the new ball bowlers. Morkel has been quite superb in his first two overs.
At the first drinks break, India are 24 for one in 14 overs. Vijay has battled hard for six from 41 balls, while Pujara is on five from 16 balls.
India 1st inns: 24-1 (14 overs) vs SA
Vijay continues his tactics of leaving as many deliveries as possible. Morkel's extra pace giving Vijay lot of problems. He tries to fend the fourth ball which lobs on the leg side but Hashim Amla at short fine leg is unable to take the catch despite making a diving effort.
No respite from India despite playing out the new ball bowlers. Morkel has been quite superb in his first two overs.
At the first drinks break, India are 24 for one in 14 overs. Vijay has battled hard for six from 41 balls, while Pujara is on five from 16 balls.
14:59
- Scorecard
India 1st inns: 24-1 (13 overs) vs SA
Veteran Jacques Kallis replaces Steyn, who bowled a good first spell of one for 11 in six overs.
Pujara defends the first four balls before he turns the fifth ball square on the leg side for a couple.
India 1st inns: 24-1 (13 overs) vs SA
Veteran Jacques Kallis replaces Steyn, who bowled a good first spell of one for 11 in six overs.
Pujara defends the first four balls before he turns the fifth ball square on the leg side for a couple.
14:54
- Scorecard
India 1st inns: 22-1 (12 overs) vs SA
Morne Morkel comes into the attack. He starts with a short delivery outside the off-stump to Pujara before he edges the next one wide of the slip fielders for one.
Vijay is then beaten by one which bounces a bit more expected, a muted appeal from the bowler too. He edges the next delivery but it fall short of the fielder at third slip.
The last delivery is a peach as Vijay is forced to play at it as it moves away and bounces. He was lucky not to have edged it.
A superb first over from the tall Morkel.
India 1st inns: 22-1 (12 overs) vs SA
Morne Morkel comes into the attack. He starts with a short delivery outside the off-stump to Pujara before he edges the next one wide of the slip fielders for one.
Vijay is then beaten by one which bounces a bit more expected, a muted appeal from the bowler too. He edges the next delivery but it fall short of the fielder at third slip.
The last delivery is a peach as Vijay is forced to play at it as it moves away and bounces. He was lucky not to have edged it.
A superb first over from the tall Morkel.
14:50
- Scorecard
India 1st inns: 21-1 (11 overs) vs SA
Steyn will continue as he comes on to bowl his sixth over. Pujara lets the first two deliveries go through to the keeper before he defends off the backfoot.
The fifth ball is a quick bouncer and Pujara is happy to duck under it before he takes a single from the last ball.
India 1st inns: 21-1 (11 overs) vs SA
Steyn will continue as he comes on to bowl his sixth over. Pujara lets the first two deliveries go through to the keeper before he defends off the backfoot.
The fifth ball is a quick bouncer and Pujara is happy to duck under it before he takes a single from the last ball.
14:45
- Scorecard
India 1st inns: 20-1 (10 overs) vs SA
New batsman Cheteshwar Pujara gets off the mark with a single to midwicket off Philander.
Two balls later, Vijay flicks it through the same region for a couple and then lets the last two deliveries go through.
Except for that moment of madness by Dhawan, India have done well to reach 20 for one in 10 overs.
India 1st inns: 20-1 (10 overs) vs SA
New batsman Cheteshwar Pujara gets off the mark with a single to midwicket off Philander.
Two balls later, Vijay flicks it through the same region for a couple and then lets the last two deliveries go through.
Except for that moment of madness by Dhawan, India have done well to reach 20 for one in 10 overs.
14:40
- Scorecard
India 1st inns: 17-1 (9 overs) vs SA
Steyn tries a short ball to Dhawan who defends it on the backfoot.
He has had enough of defending as he tries to pull a short delivery but plays an awkward shot which goes behind square on the leg side for a boundary. He was lucky that the ball fell in the vacant spaces on the leg side.
The next ball is again short as Dhawan plays back but is still struck on the handle and it falls on the off-side. A fielder comes in at forward short leg.
Steyn continues to pepper Dhawan with short balls but this time it goes down the leg side.
He finally succumbs to the short delivery. Dhawan tries another pull shot but this time gets a top edge and is caught at fine leg after scoring 13 from 27 balls.
A poor shot by Dhawan under the circumstances as he had got his eye in before trying to break free.
India 1st inns: 17-1 (9 overs) vs SA
Steyn tries a short ball to Dhawan who defends it on the backfoot.
He has had enough of defending as he tries to pull a short delivery but plays an awkward shot which goes behind square on the leg side for a boundary. He was lucky that the ball fell in the vacant spaces on the leg side.
The next ball is again short as Dhawan plays back but is still struck on the handle and it falls on the off-side. A fielder comes in at forward short leg.
Steyn continues to pepper Dhawan with short balls but this time it goes down the leg side.
He finally succumbs to the short delivery. Dhawan tries another pull shot but this time gets a top edge and is caught at fine leg after scoring 13 from 27 balls.
A poor shot by Dhawan under the circumstances as he had got his eye in before trying to break free.
14:34
- Scorecard
India 1st inns: 13-0 (8 overs) vs SA
Philander finally manages to beat the edge of the bat as Dhawan goes after a wide short ball but misses.
He defends two deliveries in a row before he is again beaten as the ball moves away enough.
Dhawan retains strike with a single from the last ball on the leg side.
India 1st inns: 13-0 (8 overs) vs SA
Philander finally manages to beat the edge of the bat as Dhawan goes after a wide short ball but misses.
He defends two deliveries in a row before he is again beaten as the ball moves away enough.
Dhawan retains strike with a single from the last ball on the leg side.
14:31
- Scorecard
India 1st inns: 12-0 (7 overs) vs SA
Vijay leaves a length delivery from Steyn but that is too close for comfort as it bounces over the stumps. That was quite risky!
He tries a short ball at Vijay but it slides down the ground and the Indian opener ducks under the next one, while leaving the last ball.
After the first 30 minutes, India are 12 for no loss in seven overs.
Dhawan is on eight from 15 balls, while Vijay has played with caution for four from 27 balls.
India 1st inns: 12-0 (7 overs) vs SA
Vijay leaves a length delivery from Steyn but that is too close for comfort as it bounces over the stumps. That was quite risky!
He tries a short ball at Vijay but it slides down the ground and the Indian opener ducks under the next one, while leaving the last ball.
After the first 30 minutes, India are 12 for no loss in seven overs.
Dhawan is on eight from 15 balls, while Vijay has played with caution for four from 27 balls.
14:25
- Scorecard
India 1st inns: 12-0 (6 overs) vs SA
Dhawan gets the first boundary of the match as he flicks a full delivery from Philander through midwicket.
The two openers have done quiet well and have not been troubled a bit so far.
India looking good on 12 for no loss after six overs.
India 1st inns: 12-0 (6 overs) vs SA
Dhawan gets the first boundary of the match as he flicks a full delivery from Philander through midwicket.
The two openers have done quiet well and have not been troubled a bit so far.
India looking good on 12 for no loss after six overs.
14:24
- Scorecard
India 1st inns: 8-0 (5 overs) vs SA
Dhawan drives the first ball from Steyn but can't beat the fielder at point, while he offers no shot to the next one.
Steyn then bowls a rising delivery on the rib cage area to Dhawan, who tries to fend it as it lobs on the leg side. Surprisingly, SA have not placed a fielder at short leg.
The next ball is on the pads which Dhawan nudges to fine leg for one.
Vijay plays out the last two deliveries of that over.
India 1st inns: 8-0 (5 overs) vs SA
Dhawan drives the first ball from Steyn but can't beat the fielder at point, while he offers no shot to the next one.
Steyn then bowls a rising delivery on the rib cage area to Dhawan, who tries to fend it as it lobs on the leg side. Surprisingly, SA have not placed a fielder at short leg.
The next ball is on the pads which Dhawan nudges to fine leg for one.
Vijay plays out the last two deliveries of that over.
14:19
- Scorecard
India 1st inns: 7-0 (4 overs) vs SA
The two openers doing well so far, as they are looking for every opportunity to take the single and rotate strike. They have also left a lot of deliveries outside the off-stump.
Dhawan again pinches a quick single on the off-side.
Philander bowls two wide outswingers which Vijay lets go before the pacer gets one on the stumps and the right-hander defends it by coming forward.
He taps the last ball on the off-side but is sent back as he tries to take a quick single.
India 1st inns: 7-0 (4 overs) vs SA
The two openers doing well so far, as they are looking for every opportunity to take the single and rotate strike. They have also left a lot of deliveries outside the off-stump.
Dhawan again pinches a quick single on the off-side.
Philander bowls two wide outswingers which Vijay lets go before the pacer gets one on the stumps and the right-hander defends it by coming forward.
He taps the last ball on the off-side but is sent back as he tries to take a quick single.
14:14
So, did Dhoni take a gamble by electing to bat? Well, if you consider the record at the Wanderers, the team batting first have done most of the times.
"Of the 34 Tests at Wanderers 15 have been won by side batting first, nine batting second, 10 drawn," writes ICC on Twitter.
"Of the 34 Tests at Wanderers 15 have been won by side batting first, nine batting second, 10 drawn," writes ICC on Twitter.
14:13
- Scorecard
India 1st inns: 6-0 (3 overs) vs SA
Steyn bowling to his IPL team mate Dhawan of Sunrisers Hyderabad. He defends the first three deliveries before taking a quick single on the off-side as Vijay responds to his call.
Steyn then bowls a pacy bouncer to Vijay, who ducks under it, and then defends the next ball with soft hands. He watches the next ball go through to the keeper.
India 1st inns: 6-0 (3 overs) vs SA
Steyn bowling to his IPL team mate Dhawan of Sunrisers Hyderabad. He defends the first three deliveries before taking a quick single on the off-side as Vijay responds to his call.
Steyn then bowls a pacy bouncer to Vijay, who ducks under it, and then defends the next ball with soft hands. He watches the next ball go through to the keeper.
14:09
- Scorecard
India 1st inns: 5-0 (2 overs) vs SA
Vernon Philander to bowl the second over, he has a knack of picking up early wickets.
The first ball is on the pads as Dhawan flicks it to fine leg for a single to get off the mark.
Vijay carefully plays out the rest of the over.
India 1st inns: 5-0 (2 overs) vs SA
Vernon Philander to bowl the second over, he has a knack of picking up early wickets.
The first ball is on the pads as Dhawan flicks it to fine leg for a single to get off the mark.
Vijay carefully plays out the rest of the over.
14:05
- Scorecard
India 1st inns: 4-0 (1 over) vs SA
Former India batting great Rahul Dravid on commentary for the first Test as Dale Steyn gets ready to have a crack at the two Indian openers - Shikhar Dhawan and Murali Vijay.
Vijay lets the first ball go through to the keeper but is beaten off the second as Steyn gets it to move away.
He gets off the mark from the fifth delivery as he punches a full ball down the ground past mid-on for a boundary.
India 1st inns: 4-0 (1 over) vs SA
Former India batting great Rahul Dravid on commentary for the first Test as Dale Steyn gets ready to have a crack at the two Indian openers - Shikhar Dhawan and Murali Vijay.
Vijay lets the first ball go through to the keeper but is beaten off the second as Steyn gets it to move away.
He gets off the mark from the fifth delivery as he punches a full ball down the ground past mid-on for a boundary.
13:59
"Johannesburg time is only the 3rd time MS Dhoni has won the toss & opted to take first strike in an away #Test match," says Arun Gopalakrishnan on Twitter.
13:42
A memorable day for Mahendra Singh Dhoni as he goes past Sourav Ganguly's record for the most Test
matches as the Indian captain.
This is Dhoni's 50th Test as the Indian skipper, going past Ganguly, who led India in 49 Test matches.
This is Dhoni's 50th Test as the Indian skipper, going past Ganguly, who led India in 49 Test matches.
13:40
Check out how the two teams line-up:
India: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain), Murali Vijay, Shikhar Dhawan, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, Ravichandran Ashwin, Zaheer Khan, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma.
South Africa: Graeme Smith (captain), Alviro Petersen, Hashim Amla, Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers, Faf du Plessis, JP Duminy, Vernon Philander, Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, Imran Tahir.
India: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain), Murali Vijay, Shikhar Dhawan, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, Ravichandran Ashwin, Zaheer Khan, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma.
South Africa: Graeme Smith (captain), Alviro Petersen, Hashim Amla, Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers, Faf du Plessis, JP Duminy, Vernon Philander, Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, Imran Tahir.
13:38
India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has won the toss and had no hesitation in electing to bat in the first Test against South Africa, in Johannesburg.
Veteran Zaheer Khan is back to bolster the Indian bowling attack, while Ajinkya Rahane gets a place in the middle order in place of Sachin Tendulkar, who retired last month.
Mohammed Shami and Ishant Sharma are included in the playing eleven ahead of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Umesh Yadav.
R Ashwin is the only specialist spinner as India opt to play only four specialist bowlers.
Veteran Zaheer Khan is back to bolster the Indian bowling attack, while Ajinkya Rahane gets a place in the middle order in place of Sachin Tendulkar, who retired last month.
Mohammed Shami and Ishant Sharma are included in the playing eleven ahead of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Umesh Yadav.
R Ashwin is the only specialist spinner as India opt to play only four specialist bowlers.
13:33
India
begin life without Sachin Tendulkar on Wednesday, taking on top ranked
South Africa in the first of a two-Test series in their first contest
since Sachin Tendulkar's retirement.
After nearly a quarter of a century of cricket, Tendulkar retired last month with more than 34000 international runs against his name to go with a slew of batting records.
The absence of international cricket's most prolific batsman, whose retirement last month provoked an emotional farewell in India, is just one of several concerns for captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni ahead of the series opener at the Wanderers in Johannesburg.
After nearly a quarter of a century of cricket, Tendulkar retired last month with more than 34000 international runs against his name to go with a slew of batting records.
The absence of international cricket's most prolific batsman, whose retirement last month provoked an emotional farewell in India, is just one of several concerns for captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni ahead of the series opener at the Wanderers in Johannesburg.
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