Centurion: Persistent rain forced day two of the first Test between South Africa and India to be washed out without a ball being bowled at SuperSport Park here on Monday. With rain coming at a stop and start pace from morning causing the second day of the Boxing Day Test to be a wash-out, the weather forecast is good for the next two days with rain and thunderstorms predicted for the final day.
The umpires had scheduled several pitch inspections, but rain and wet outfield meant that none of them could be carried out. Due to the loss of overs on day two, 98 overs are scheduled for the remaining days of the match, which could be extended by half an hour in the final session.
“Unfortunately, due to the large volume of rain today at Centurion, the play has been called off for the day,” said the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Twitter.
“After unrelenting rain for the majority of the day, the second day of the 1st Betway Test has been called off without a single delivery bowled,” said Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Twitter.
Earlier, a sublime hundred by KL Rahul, his fifth Test century outside Asia, along with a half-century by Mayank Agarwal helped India dominate the first day’s play on Sunday.
At stumps on day one, India were 272/3 in 90 overs with Rahul (batting 122) and Ajinkya Rahane (batting 40) at the crease. The day totally belonged to the tourists’ batters. For the hosts, Lungi Ngidi was the only wicket-taker with 3/45 in 17 overs.
Electing to bat first on a semi-lively pitch, India made the most of a South Africa attack which was lacklustre at the start but got into the groove as the day progressed. The day, though, belonged to Rahul, who was assertive in doing what was needed of him as an opener: leaving balls outside the off-stump, not being rattled by short-pitched deliveries, creaming the drives, and showing patience on an excellent day for his side.
Rahul, the Test vice-captain, stitched partnerships on a consistent basis while carrying his bat through the day: 117 with Agarwal, who made 60, for India’s first-century opening stand since 2010 before putting 82 and 73 runs with Virat Kohli (35) and Rahane respectively.
Brief scores: India 272/3 in 90 overs (KL Rahul 122 not out, Mayank Agarwal 60, Lungi Ngidi 3/45) against South Africa
IANS
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