SA VS IND 1ST TEST

That’s it from this Test then! It is India who have taken a 1-0 lead and now have a chance to create history in the next Test. A win will see them win a Test series for the very first time in South Africa. The hosts, on the other hand, need to avoid a defeat to stay in the series. The second Test starts on the 3rd of January at 1:30 pm IST (8 am GMT). See you then and a Happy New Year in advance!

KL Rahul is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his brilliant knock in the first innings! He says that it was about grit and determination and the opening partnership was crucial. He added that they set the tone for the team. He adds that he did not make many technical changes but it is more about mental space and remaining calm. He mentions that the discipline he has shown is the biggest contributor to perform consistently. He adds that he is proud of his overseas performance. He applauds Shami and the bowling group for their consistent performances in different situations over the years. He adds that it is a special win and they want to build on this and get better and try to win another Test in a few days time.

Virat Kohli, the Indian skipper, says that getting a result in four days shows how much this team was motivated to get a win at Centurion against South Africa. Adds that the discipline shown by the batters showed in the first innings is praiseworthy. Praises Agarwal and Rahul for the way they laid the platform and put them on top. Says that he knew that the bowlers would get the wickets. Says that if Bumrah hadn't been injured in the first innings, the game would have probably been over earlier than this. Credits the bowlers not just for this Test but for how Indian Test cricket has progressed over the years. He Praises Shami for the way he bowled and says that he is one of the best pacers going around in world cricket. Mentions that their show in Wanderers in 2018 showed their grit and determination so they are looking forward to playing the second game there.

Dean Elgar, the skipper of South Africa, says that there are a lot of positives still and credits India for bowling really well and keeping them on their toes. Mentions that if they could have batted better and then, it might have given them a chance to win this match. Tells that the bowlers bowled really well on Day 3 and executed the right lines and lengths. States that they fought back hard with the ball in the second innings. Adds that they need to improve their batting as it was the main reason that they lost this match. Also says that he will sit along with the management and discuss strategies. Tells that they didn't do a lot of things wrong and it is not all doom and gloom for them. Ends by saying that they strive under pressure and that is a positive sign.

Stay tuned for the presentation.

South Africa were in the game till Elgar was batting. The skipper led the fightback and kept his sides’ hopes alive. He though failed to receive support from the others as Shami and Bumrah were too hot to handle for the rest. In the end, it is a convincing win for the visitors and it is also their FIRST IN CENTURION IN TESTS!

The South African bowlers though roared back on Day 4 as they bundled India for below 200. Jansen and Rabada were the stars. They gave their side a chance, a small chance as they had to chase down something just over 300.

That though proved to be well and truly enough as the Indian pacers, led by Shami, who got a fifer, helped India take a lead of over 100 runs. Also, the lead could have been a lot more had Bumrah got more overs under his belt. He was injured for the most part but the others stepped up brilliantly.

There was no cricket on Day 2 but South Africa came back strongly on Day 3. India were eyeing over 400 but Ngidi and Rabada ensured they kept them below the 350-run mark.

Also, we had one full day being washed out due to rain, despite that, it was quite a convincing one. Right from Day 1, they were well and truly on top of the game. They won the toss elected to bat and courtesy a ton from Rahul and decent performances from Agarwal and Rahane, India finished strongly on the first day.

If there are two places where visiting sides find it difficult to win, it is the Gabba in Australia and it is Centurion here in South Africa and India have managed to win in both. That speaks volumes about how good a side they are.

OUT! TAKEN! All over! Victory for India in Centurion! Flatter and on middle. Ngidi looks to block it with hard hands and gets the inside edge. The ball goes straight to leg slip and Cheteshwar Pujara takes it with ease! Centurion has been conquered by India as they win by 113 runs!

Lungi Ngidi is the last man in.

OUT! TAKEN! 9 down now South Africa! Well bowled by Ashwin. He tosses it nicely, wide outside off. Rabada looks to drive but does so with his hands reaching out. The ball takes the outside edge and loops up towards point. Mohammed Shami takes an easy catch.

Loopy ball, outside off. Rabada looks to drive but gets the outside edge to covers.

Flatter ball, outside off. Rabada blocks it out.

Darted on the pads. Bavuma works it to deep square leg for one.

Loopy ball, on off. Blocked out.