India wrapped up the South Africa second innings on 191 and won the opening Test in Centurion by 113 runs. India has never won in Centurion before. With this the visitors go 1-0 up in the three-match series. Rainfall made sure no play was possible on day 2 effectively making this game a four-day affair. Mohammed Shami picked the first wicket after Lunch and R Ashwin scalped the final two wickets in consecutive deliveries to help India win their first Test in Centurion. Temba Bavuma remained unbeaten on 35. The Proteas started the day on a strong note, scoring runs at a brisk pace before Jasprit Bumrah removed captain Dean Elgar on 77. Mohammed Siraj then joined the act and cleaned up Quinton de Kock on 21. Shami picked up the third wicket of the opening session in the form of Wiaan Mulder. It was Bumrah’s twin strikes on the fourth evening, which left India on the verge of their maiden win in Centurion. They had previously played two Tests in South Africa’s citadel and lost on both occasions.
Kohli said that India was in pole position after scoring more than 300 in the first innings. “Credit to Mayank and KL the way they set it up. We knew we were in pole position with anything over 300-320. Knew the bowlers will do the job. Spoke about it in the change room – the fact he didn’t bowl much in the first innings, it allowed SA to get around 40 more runs (Bumrah). Just the way these guys bowl together has been a hallmark of our team getting a result in difficult situations,” he mentioned.
Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra congratulated the Indian team and hoped that they would go on to conquer the series as well.
Cricket commentator and analyst, Harsha Bhogle credited Virat Kohli and stressed on the “good” seam attack that India possess currently.
The second Test starts from January 3 at The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg.
