Cricket: SA performing well against India
South Africa bowled well in the first session to leave India on 82/3 at lunch on day one of the first Test in Mohali, on Thursday.
Vernon Philander struck in the second over as Shikhar Dhawan was out for a duck to leave the hosts 0/1. The opener flashed hard at a delivery outside off as the ball took the edge and was caught by captain Hashim Amla at first slip.
A second wicket partnership of 63 was ended by Dean Elgar who trapped Cheteshwar Pujara lbw for 31 as India fell to 63/2.
It was then the turn of Kagiso Rabada, making his debut, to pickup his first Test wicket. The 20-year-old sent down a 140 kilometre per hour delivery outside off and Virat Kohli got a leading edge to Elgar at cover as India were reduced to 65/3.
At the interval opener Murali Vijay was unbeaten on 40 with Ajinkya Rahane on three at the other end.
Earlier, South Africa were forced to change the balance of their lineup with allrounder JP Duminy out with injury as well as paceman Morne Morkel out. As a result Rabada came in to the side.
South Africa also went with two spinners as Simon Harmer and Imran Tahir were both included in the lineup.
The top-ranked Proteas have not lost a Test series away from home for the last nine years, and would be hoping to continue that record against India who are ranked fifth in Tests.
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