India’s tour of South Africa kick-started with the T20I series, with both teams squeezing out a win apiece before the T20I opener was abandoned without a toss due to rain. As the T20I series came to a close at 1-1, the ODI series was nothing short of spectacular, with both teams having a go at each other throughout the series. In the end, India had the last laugh in the battle as they won the series by 2-1. Meanwhile, the rivetting action shifted towards the intriguing Test series as India are aiming to conquer the final frontier this time around.
The first of the two-match Test series kick-started today at SuperSport Park, Centurion. South African captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and elected to bat first. Team India was in a real spot of bother after the top-order ran through a batting collapse as South African pace duo Kagiso Rabada and Nandre Burger ripped through the defense of India’s batting line-up.
Shreyas Iyer hits a scintillating six off Gerald Coetzee
Despite reeling under pressure, batters like KL Rahul, Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer delivered the goods and lifted the team’s morale. During the first session, Shreyas Iyer stole the spotlight after he executed a scintillating six in the form of a flick shot off Gerald Coetzee’s bowling, which was a sight to behold.
Easily done: Shreyas flicks the Test's first 6⃣
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The incident happened during the first ball of the 25th over when Coetzee bowled a delivery that was going down the leg side. As it turned out, Shreyas Iyer nonchalantly timed the ball to perfection and the flick of wrists came into play as he comfortably cleared the ball over the fence. The video clip of the same has spread like wildfire on social media portals.
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However, Shreyas Iyer failed to capitalize on his start as he fell for 31 as he was bowled by Kagiso Rabada. Virat Kohli also looked good for his 38 before he fell prey to Kagiso Rabada’s bowling. KL Rahul was the pick of the batters for India as he chipped in with an unbeaten 70 including 10 fours and 2 sixes. India posted 208/8 in 59 overs before the rain played spoilsport, bringing the first day’s play to a close. On the contrary, Kagiso Rabada was the pick of the bowlers for South Africa as he registered 5/44.
