Team India have had a promising start against South Africa on the Boxing Day match. Upon winning the toss, Virat Kohli chose to bat, which sparked some concerns due to the cloudy weather and grass on the surface. By this, Kohli will be the captain with the most tosses won for India in Test cricket.
India began their innings with Rahul and Mayank Agarwal. Before taking their shots, they examined the field. Rahul patiently waited for a loose delivery to come his way to score runs. Mayank, on the other hand, was smashing every ball that fell into his hotspot. South Africa had an opportunity to send Mayank out during the 18th over, however, Quinton de Kock dropped the ball.
Rahul and Mayank made 117 runs for the 1st wicket, joining an impressive list of Indian starters in South Africa to record a 100-run stand. Mayank’s batting ended in the 41st over when Lungi Ngidi got him in the form of lbw. The footage showed that the ball struck the apex of the stumps, but it also appeared to be travelling down the leg side.
I am not allowed to give my opinion: Mayank Agarwal
Several experts disagreed with the ball tracking judgement. When questioned about his thoughts on the dismissal during the panel discussion following the day’s action, Mayank chose not to respond and instead came up with a hilarious response. “I am not allowed to give my opinion and so I want to leave it at that. Otherwise, I will be in bad books and my money (match fee) could be docked”, said Mayank.
Cheteshwar Pujara, who stepped in just after Mayank was dismissed, got a golden duck. Kohli and Rahul made an 82-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Kohli appeared to be in good form in the middle, but he was out when he attempted to hit the delivery outside the off-stump.
Rahul was paired in the thick by Ajinkya Rahane, and the pair ensured that the day ended on a strong note. Rahul finished his century in the 78th over, marking him only the 2nd Indian opener to do so. India has scored 272 runs for the cost of 3 wickets towards the conclusion of the day. Rahul was unbeaten on 122, whereas Rahane scored 40 runs.
“No way that was hitting. Umpire’s call at best. Unlucky Mayank. Exclusive footage of the ball tracking operator driving to the ground”, Wasim Jaffer Tweets on Mayank’s dismissal.
