Vice-Captain KL Rahul 122 not out with his opening partner Mayank Agarwal India scored 60 off 123 balls as India rode at 272/3 on both centuries and opening stand till the end of the first day.
“It’s Test cricket, you win sessions, you lose sessions. Overall, it’s been a good day of cricket. There’s still a lot on the wicket. Things can happen fast,” the 25-year-old told a press conference. After the day’s proceedings.
🔴 stump | Day 1🇿🇦 Lungi Ngidi was the bowler of choice for the #Proteys as he took all three wickets fast … https://t.co/n5RCjCd1Ps
– Cricket South Africa (OfficialCSA) 1640532254000
Ngidi’s double strike in the 41st over was followed by a double strike for South Africa.
“If you get two wickets in two balls, that means anything can happen. And if we can get two wins early in the morning that could turn the game on its head.
“The ball still catches the edge, goes to the slip … it would be nice if we could keep them below 340-350.”
Ngidi was the only wicket-taker for South Africa that day, returning with 3/45 in 17 overs and also becoming the only bowler to be dismissed. Cheteshwar Pujara Twice in the test on the Golden Duck.
Lacking control over the rest of the Protea attack, Ngidi was also struggling, but a change in the end could do the trick.
“I asked at lunch if I could change the hem, but obviously everyone likes their exact ending so I had to wait my turn.
“I was struggling a bit from the other side and looking for the right areas, but once I got to this side I felt comfortable and all of a sudden, things started happening for me,” he said.
He said the home side bowlers were a little disappointed with the wicket as it lacked swing.
“The wicket did less than we thought it would. And they (Indians) had good discipline, they left well.
“I was expecting a little more swing and when that didn’t happen, you obviously had to change your plans and try to move the ball off the deck and it was happening at both ends. The gameplan was to try to attack the stumps, and the pads. ”