IN PICS: How India demolished South Africa at their fortress in Centurion to go 1-0 up

<p>South Africa captain Dean Elgar scored an unbeaten 52 against India as the hosts showed a dogged determination to stay in the fight on a spicy wicket and closed the fourth day on 94 for four in the first test at Centurion Park on Wednesday.</p>

<p>South Africa are still 211 runs off their record victory target at the venue of 305 on a wicket that is treacherous for the batsmen with sideways movement, but also variable bounce.</p>

<p>Some deliveries are staying low and others spitting off the surface with exaggerated bounce.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-ends-2021-without-a-century-as-indian-captain-departs-on-18-in-centurion-test-vs-south-africa-440945">Virat Kohli ends 2021 without a century as Indian captain departs on 18 in Centurion Test vs South Africa</a></strong></p>

<p>They will need to negotiate the skilful India attack on the final day as the tourists attempt to secure a victory on the way to a hoped for first ever series win in South Africa with tests in Johannesburg and Cape Town to follow.</p>

<p>South Africa lost Aiden Markram (one), Keegan Petersen (17), nightwatchman Keshav Maharaj (eight) and Rassie van der Dussen, who showed great patience for his 11 from 65 balls before he was bowled by Jasprit Bumrah (2-22) with a superb in-swinger while not offering a shot.</p>

<p>The highest fourth innings score to win at Centurion Park is 251 for eight by England in 2000, an infamous test where both teams agreed to forfeit an innings after rain to force a result.</p>

<p>The next best successful chase is 226 for four by South Africa against Pakistan in 1998.</p>

<p>India were earlier bowled out for 174 in their second innings, the South African seamers expertly using the conditions with Kagiso Rabada (4-42) and 21-year-old left-arm debutant Marco Jansen (4-55) the chief wicket takers.</p>

<p>None of the tourists’ batsmen were able to get settled at the crease with Rishabh Pant (34) the top scorer as he tried to take the attack to the bowlers.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/my-father-would-cycle-30km-to-take-me-to-coaching-camp-md-shami-recalls-struggles-after-200-test-wickets-440894">My father would cycle 30km to take me to coaching camp: Shami recalls struggles after 200 Test wickets</a></strong></p>

<p>There was more disappointment for India captain Virat Kohli (18) as he chased a wide delivery for the second time in the test and was caught by wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock off the bowling of Jansen.</p>

<p>In 14 tests since the start of 2020, Kohli has scored 652 runs at an average of 26.08, almost half his career average before this test of 50.65.</p>


South Africa captain Dean Elgar scored an unbeaten 52 against India as the hosts showed a dogged determination to stay in the fight on a spicy wicket and closed the fourth day on 94 for four in the first test at Centurion Park on Wednesday.

South Africa captain Dean Elgar scored an unbeaten 52 against India as the hosts showed a dogged determination to stay in the fight on a spicy wicket and closed the fourth day on 94 for four in the first test at Centurion Park on Wednesday. South Africa are still 211 runs off their record victory target at the venue of 305 on a wicket that is treacherous for the batsmen with sideways movement, but also variable bounce. Some deliveries are staying low and others spitting off the surface with exaggerated bounce. ALSO READ: Virat Kohli ends 2021 without a century as Indian captain departs on 18 in Centurion Test vs South Africa They will need to negotiate the skilful India attack on the final day as the tourists attempt to secure a victory on the way to a hoped for first ever series win in South Africa with tests in Johannesburg and Cape Town to follow. South Africa lost Aiden Markram (one), Keegan Petersen (17), nightwatchman Keshav Maharaj (eight) and Rassie van der Dussen, who showed great patience for his 11 from 65 balls before he was bowled by Jasprit Bumrah (2-22) with a superb in-swinger while not offering a shot. The highest fourth innings score to win at Centurion Park is 251 for eight by England in 2000, an infamous test where both teams agreed to forfeit an innings after rain to force a result. The next best successful chase is 226 for four by South Africa against Pakistan in 1998. India were earlier bowled out for 174 in their second innings, the South African seamers expertly using the conditions with Kagiso Rabada (4-42) and 21-year-old left-arm debutant Marco Jansen (4-55) the chief wicket takers. None of the tourists’ batsmen were able to get settled at the crease with Rishabh Pant (34) the top scorer as he tried to take the attack to the bowlers. ALSO READ: My father would cycle 30km to take me to coaching camp: Shami recalls struggles after 200 Test wickets There was more disappointment for India captain Virat Kohli (18) as he chased a wide delivery for the second time in the test and was caught by wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock off the bowling of Jansen. In 14 tests since the start of 2020, Kohli has scored 652 runs at an average of 26.08, almost half his career average before this test of 50.65.

Skipper Dean Elgar's unbeaten fifty keeps South Africa in fight against India in Centurion Test

<p>On the second day of the first test between South Africa and India at Centurion Park on Monday, no play was possible due to heavy rain, frustrating both teams looking to take advantage in the three-match series.</p>

<p>What began as a drizzle this morning turned into a continuous downpour in the afternoon, and with 90 overs lost in the game, Virat Kohli's team, who were sitting well at 272 for 3 after day one, will now have to speed up the proceedings in the remaining three days if they are to win the match.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-sa-1st-test-dravid-gives-a-pat-on-pujaras-back-to-uplift-his-spirits-after-golden-duck-watch-440395">Ind vs SA, 1st Test: Dravid gives a pat on Pujara's back to uplift his spirits after golden duck - WATCH</a></strong></p>

<p>The rain stopped twice, and the umpires decided to examine, but both times, just as they were about to walk outside, the heavens opened up again.</p>

<p>"Unfortunately, due to the large volume of rain today at Centurion, play has been called off for the day," tweeted BCCI.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Unfortunately, due to the large volume of rain today at Centurion, play has been called off for the day. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/NQ5Jbc8MlJ">pic.twitter.com/NQ5Jbc8MlJ</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1475438079091507202?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Team India had dominated Day 1 of the current first Test against the Proteas at SuperSport Park, with the visitors' total at stumps reading 272/3. KL Rahul (122*) and Ajinkya Rahane (40*) are both unbeaten at the crease, and India will be looking for a good performance from the batsmen on Day 2.</p>

<p>Mayank Agarwal hit 60 runs and contributed to a 117-run opening partnership with KL Rahul. Skipper Kohli was also looking well set&nbsp;at the crease, but he fell to Lungi Ngidi after a 35-run knock.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-sa-virat-kohli-goes-past-mohammad-azharuddin-in-unique-list-in-centurion-test-opening-day-440381"><strong>India vs SA: Virat Kohli goes past Mohammad Azharuddin in unique list in Centurion Test opening day</strong></a></p>

<p>India will aim to post&nbsp;a huge first-innings score and maybe bat only once in the test. South Africa will also try to bundle out India as&nbsp;fast as possibe on the third day, but they will need to bowl much better than they did on Sunday where&nbsp;only seamer Lungi Ngidi (3-45) was among the wickets.</p>

<p>India is aiming for their first test series victory in South Africa, with games in Johannesburg and Cape Town to follow.</p>


On the second day of the first test between South Africa and India at Centurion Park on Monday, no play was possible due to heavy rain, frustrating both teams looking to take advantage in the three-match series.

On the second day of the first test between South Africa and India at Centurion Park on Monday, no play was possible due to heavy rain, frustrating both teams looking to take advantage in the three-match series. What began as a drizzle this morning turned into a continuous downpour in the afternoon, and with 90 overs lost in the game, Virat Kohli's team, who were sitting well at 272 for 3 after day one, will now have to speed up the proceedings in the remaining three days if they are to win the match. ALSO READ: Ind vs SA, 1st Test: Dravid gives a pat on Pujara's back to uplift his spirits after golden duck - WATCH The rain stopped twice, and the umpires decided to examine, but both times, just as they were about to walk outside, the heavens opened up again. "Unfortunately, due to the large volume of rain today at Centurion, play has been called off for the day," tweeted BCCI. Unfortunately, due to the large volume of rain today at Centurion, play has been called off for the day. #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/NQ5Jbc8MlJ — BCCI (@BCCI) December 27, 2021 × Team India had dominated Day 1 of the current first Test against the Proteas at SuperSport Park, with the visitors' total at stumps reading 272/3. KL Rahul (122*) and Ajinkya Rahane (40*) are both unbeaten at the crease, and India will be looking for a good performance from the batsmen on Day 2. Mayank Agarwal hit 60 runs and contributed to a 117-run opening partnership with KL Rahul. Skipper Kohli was also looking well set at the crease, but he fell to Lungi Ngidi after a 35-run knock. ALSO READ | India vs SA: Virat Kohli goes past Mohammad Azharuddin in unique list in Centurion Test opening day India will aim to post a huge first-innings score and maybe bat only once in the test. South Africa will also try to bundle out India as fast as possibe on the third day, but they will need to bowl much better than they did on Sunday where only seamer Lungi Ngidi (3-45) was among the wickets. India is aiming for their first test series victory in South Africa, with games in Johannesburg and Cape Town to follow.

India vs South Africa: Second day of Centurion Test called off due to heavy rain

<p>Opening batsman KL Rahul gave India an ideal start in their quest to win a Test series in South Africa with a solid century on the first day of the first Test at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Sunday.</p>

<p>Rahul made 122 not out as India reached 272 for three at the close after Indian captain Virat Kohli won the toss and decided to bat on a green-tinged pitch.</p>

<p>Rahul and Mayank Agarwal (60) drew the sting from the South African attack with an opening stand of 117 before fast bowler Lungi Ngidi dismissed Agarwal and Cheteshwar Pujara off successive deliveries.</p>

<p>It was only a temporary setback for the tourists, however as Rahul shared a third wicket partnership of 82 with Kohli (35) before he and Ajinkya Rahane added an unbeaten 73 for the fourth wicket.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cheteshwar-pujara-creates-unwanted-record-after-golden-duck-in-boxing-day-test-against-south-africa-440166">Cheteshwar Pujara creates unwanted record after golden duck in Boxing Day Test against South Africa</a></strong></p>

<p>Rahul provided a masterpiece of concentration and shot selection, marred only by a difficult chance to long leg off Wiaan Mulder when he was on 60. He faced 248 balls and hit 17 fours and a six.</p>

<p>Rahane, whose place in the team had been questioned after a run of poor form, struck the ball crisply in making an unbeaten 40 off 81 balls with eight fours.</p>

<p>Ngidi was the only successful bowler, taking three for 45.</p>

<p>Kohli said at the toss that India's win against South Africa in the third Test in Johannesburg on their previous tour in 2017/18 had given them the confidence of knowing they could win away from home.</p>

<p>Although they lost that series 2-1, India went on to achieve victories in Australia and England, leaving South Africa as the only major cricket-playing nation where they have not yet triumphed.</p>

<p>It was a chastening day for South Africa's fast bowlers in conditions which should have been in their favour.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/last-throw-of-dice-aakash-chopra-ajit-agarkar-question-rahanes-selection-over-vihari-iyer-in-1st-test-440151">'Last throw of dice': Aakash Chopra, Ajit Agarkar question Rahane's selection over Vihari, Iyer in 1st Test</a></strong></p>

<p>Already without strike bowler Anrich Nortje, out for the series with a hip injury, South Africa surprisingly gave a first cap to tall left-arm fast bowler Marco Jansen ahead of Duanne Olivier, the leading wicket-taker in domestic first-class cricket this season.</p>

<p>Jansen, 21, created the only chance of the morning, having Agarwal dropped by wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock with his score on 36 and the total 52. He produced some threatening deliveries but also sent down some loose balls which were punished.</p>

<p>The South Africa team wore black armbands in honour of anti-apartheid icon Desmond Tutu, described as the country's moral compass, who died on Sunday aged 90.</p>

<p>Both teams also held a minute's silence.</p>


Opening batsman KL Rahul gave India an ideal start in their quest to win a Test series in South Africa with a solid century on the first day of the first Test at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Sunday.

Opening batsman KL Rahul gave India an ideal start in their quest to win a Test series in South Africa with a solid century on the first day of the first Test at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Sunday. Rahul made 122 not out as India reached 272 for three at the close after Indian captain Virat Kohli won the toss and decided to bat on a green-tinged pitch. Rahul and Mayank Agarwal (60) drew the sting from the South African attack with an opening stand of 117 before fast bowler Lungi Ngidi dismissed Agarwal and Cheteshwar Pujara off successive deliveries. It was only a temporary setback for the tourists, however as Rahul shared a third wicket partnership of 82 with Kohli (35) before he and Ajinkya Rahane added an unbeaten 73 for the fourth wicket. ALSO READ: Cheteshwar Pujara creates unwanted record after golden duck in Boxing Day Test against South Africa Rahul provided a masterpiece of concentration and shot selection, marred only by a difficult chance to long leg off Wiaan Mulder when he was on 60. He faced 248 balls and hit 17 fours and a six. Rahane, whose place in the team had been questioned after a run of poor form, struck the ball crisply in making an unbeaten 40 off 81 balls with eight fours. Ngidi was the only successful bowler, taking three for 45. Kohli said at the toss that India's win against South Africa in the third Test in Johannesburg on their previous tour in 2017/18 had given them the confidence of knowing they could win away from home. Although they lost that series 2-1, India went on to achieve victories in Australia and England, leaving South Africa as the only major cricket-playing nation where they have not yet triumphed. It was a chastening day for South Africa's fast bowlers in conditions which should have been in their favour. ALSO READ: 'Last throw of dice': Aakash Chopra, Ajit Agarkar question Rahane's selection over Vihari, Iyer in 1st Test Already without strike bowler Anrich Nortje, out for the series with a hip injury, South Africa surprisingly gave a first cap to tall left-arm fast bowler Marco Jansen ahead of Duanne Olivier, the leading wicket-taker in domestic first-class cricket this season. Jansen, 21, created the only chance of the morning, having Agarwal dropped by wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock with his score on 36 and the total 52. He produced some threatening deliveries but also sent down some loose balls which were punished. The South Africa team wore black armbands in honour of anti-apartheid icon Desmond Tutu, described as the country's moral compass, who died on Sunday aged 90. Both teams also held a minute's silence.

KL Rahul slams ton to give India strong start in Boxing Day Test against South Africa in Centurion

<p>On Sunday, India won the toss and elected to bat in the first Test&nbsp;against South Africa at SuperSport Park in Centurion.</p>

<p>India skipper Virat Kohli, who is aiming for a record away Test series win in South Africa, claimed the ground's history influenced his decision to bat.</p>

<p>Kohli&nbsp;stated&nbsp;at&nbsp;the&nbsp;time&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;coin&nbsp;toss:&nbsp;"We will bat first. Runs on the board playing away home has been our strength. The pitch tends to quicken up here on Day 2-3. Our success away from home started from the series we played here last time. A very challenging place to play."</p>

<p>"South African unit always strong and they know the conditions. The prep has been wonderful. Quite lucky to get the centre-wicket practice. Siraj, Shami, Bumrah, Ashwin and Thakur is the all-rounder," he added.</p>

<p>However, cricket lovers&nbsp;were disappointed and astonished by the absence of middle-order batsman Hanuma Vihari, who did not play in the New Zealand series at home and instead travelled to South Africa with India A to prepare for the series.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/why-is-south-africa-team-wearing-black-armbands-in-first-test-against-india-440101">Why is South Africa team wearing black armbands in first Test against India?</a></strong></p>

<p>Vihari, who was one of the&nbsp;heroes of India's heroic last-day struggle to salvage the Sydney Test against Australia earlier this year, hasn't played in a Test match since.</p>

<p>While fans speculated that this may be former vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane's last opportunity, he hasn't been in great form this year, having played 13 games and scored 411 runs at an average of 19.67, with only two scores in excess of 50. Following that, he was replaced as Virat Kohli's deputy in Test matches by Rohit Sharma.</p>

<p>KL Rahul will be the series' vice-captain after Rohit was ruled out due to a hamstring injury.</p>

<p>One of the heartbroken user wrote, 'You don't want to be Vihari right now, do you? Doesn't get an opportunity to score home test runs, instead gets sent to SA to get acclimatised for the tour. Does really well for Ind A, scoring 3 50s. Now doesn't get picked for the test. What a raw deal!'</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">You don't want to be Vihari right now, do you? Doesn't get an opportunity to score home test runs, instead gets sent to SA to get acclimatised for the tour. Does really well for Ind A, scoring 3 50s. Now doesn't get picked for the test. What a raw deal! 💔 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsSA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsSA</a></p>
— Srini Mama (@SriniMaama16) <a href="https://twitter.com/SriniMaama16/status/1475012272967671811?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>'Where is Vihari?', asked another user.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="et">Where is Vihari? <a href="https://t.co/kD4qaS4N4G">https://t.co/kD4qaS4N4G</a></p>
— Sanaya (@Sarcaswari) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sarcaswari/status/1475012486671716353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>More such anguished and disappointed reactions were seen:</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Vihari may soon be sent to England. To prepare for last Test of that series.</p>
— Siddhartha Vaidyanathan (@sidvee) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidvee/status/1475008416837894144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Kohli and Dravid when asked what Vihari needs to do to get a place in starting 11 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvSA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvSA</a> <a href="https://t.co/v4od5dyxGF">pic.twitter.com/v4od5dyxGF</a></p>
— Aniket (@QuieterMe) <a href="https://twitter.com/QuieterMe/status/1475027388513718273?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Vihari has every right to feel "crushed" doesn't mean he is insecure or anything.. this is part of parcel of being in a highly competitive field.. his mental being needs to be managed well at this point.. Hope it's being taken care of..</p>
— SMM (@Shhy10) <a href="https://twitter.com/Shhy10/status/1475017969172316160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Vihari scored 227 runs at an average of 75.66, including 3 fifties against South Africa 'A' ahead of this series. What a nice way to say that no matter whatever you do, it doesn't count 👏🏻<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAvIND</a></p>
— Prasenjit Dey (@CricPrasen) <a href="https://twitter.com/CricPrasen/status/1475016720729272320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Vihari made three fifty-plus scores in the recent A tour of South Africa, same as what Rahane has done in his last 17 Tests dating back to late 2019.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAvIND</a></p>
— Rohit Sankar (@imRohit_SN) <a href="https://twitter.com/imRohit_SN/status/1475034228240703492?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Not everyone can repeat what Vihari and Ashwin did. That's why I feel bad for the treatment that Vihari has got after saving that series on one leg!</p>
— ayaan. (@AyanMusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/AyanMusk/status/1472833519176937475?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Horrendous to leave out Vihari......</p>
— BALAJI (@deep_extracover) <a href="https://twitter.com/deep_extracover/status/1475019031946022913?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Tall left-arm fast bowler Marco Jansen, 21, made his debut for South Africa.</p>

<p>"He's had a lot of success against the India A side, he hit quite a few of their batters," South African skipper Dean Elgar said.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-one-told-me-why-i-was-dropped-harbhajan-singh-opens-up-on-sad-story-of-indian-cricket-post-retirement-440091">'No one told me why I was dropped': Harbhajan Singh opens up on 'sad story of Indian cricket' post retirement</a></strong></p>

<p>Jansen's presence meant that fast bowler Duanne Olivier, who had returned to the South African team after three seasons as a Kolpak player in England, won't be in the playing XI.</p>

<p><strong>Teams:</strong></p>

<p><strong>South Africa: </strong>Dean Elgar (capt), Aiden Markram, Keegan Petersen, Rassie van der Dussen, Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock (wkt), Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi.</p>

<p><strong>India: </strong>Virat Kohli (capt), Mayank Agarwal, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Risabh Pant (wkt), Ravichandran Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.</p>

<p><strong>Umpires:</strong> Marais Erasmus, Adrian Holdstock (both RSA).</p>

<p><strong>TV umpire:</strong> Allahuddien Paleker (RSA).</p>

<p><strong>Match referee: </strong>Andy Pycroft (ZIM).</p>


On Sunday, India won the toss and elected to bat in the first Test against South Africa at SuperSport Park in Centurion. India skipper Virat Kohli, who is aiming for a record away Test series win in South Africa, claimed the ground's history influenced his decision to bat.

On Sunday, India won the toss and elected to bat in the first Test against South Africa at SuperSport Park in Centurion. India skipper Virat Kohli, who is aiming for a record away Test series win in South Africa, claimed the ground's history influenced his decision to bat. Kohli stated at the time of the coin toss: "We will bat first. Runs on the board playing away home has been our strength. The pitch tends to quicken up here on Day 2-3. Our success away from home started from the series we played here last time. A very challenging place to play." "South African unit always strong and they know the conditions. The prep has been wonderful. Quite lucky to get the centre-wicket practice. Siraj, Shami, Bumrah, Ashwin and Thakur is the all-rounder," he added. However, cricket lovers were disappointed and astonished by the absence of middle-order batsman Hanuma Vihari, who did not play in the New Zealand series at home and instead travelled to South Africa with India A to prepare for the series. ALSO READ: Why is South Africa team wearing black armbands in first Test against India? Vihari, who was one of the heroes of India's heroic last-day struggle to salvage the Sydney Test against Australia earlier this year, hasn't played in a Test match since. While fans speculated that this may be former vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane's last opportunity, he hasn't been in great form this year, having played 13 games and scored 411 runs at an average of 19.67, with only two scores in excess of 50. Following that, he was replaced as Virat Kohli's deputy in Test matches by Rohit Sharma. KL Rahul will be the series' vice-captain after Rohit was ruled out due to a hamstring injury. One of the heartbroken user wrote, 'You don't want to be Vihari right now, do you? Doesn't get an opportunity to score home test runs, instead gets sent to SA to get acclimatised for the tour. Does really well for Ind A, scoring 3 50s. Now doesn't get picked for the test. What a raw deal!' You don't want to be Vihari right now, do you? Doesn't get an opportunity to score home test runs, instead gets sent to SA to get acclimatised for the tour. Does really well for Ind A, scoring 3 50s. Now doesn't get picked for the test. What a raw deal! 💔 #INDvsSA — Srini Mama (@SriniMaama16) December 26, 2021 × 'Where is Vihari?', asked another user. Where is Vihari? https://t.co/kD4qaS4N4G — Sanaya (@Sarcaswari) December 26, 2021 × More such anguished and disappointed reactions were seen: Vihari may soon be sent to England. To prepare for last Test of that series. — Siddhartha Vaidyanathan (@sidvee) December 26, 2021 × Kohli and Dravid when asked what Vihari needs to do to get a place in starting 11 #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/v4od5dyxGF — Aniket (@QuieterMe) December 26, 2021 × Vihari has every right to feel "crushed" doesn't mean he is insecure or anything.. this is part of parcel of being in a highly competitive field.. his mental being needs to be managed well at this point.. Hope it's being taken care of.. — SMM (@Shhy10) December 26, 2021 × Vihari scored 227 runs at an average of 75.66, including 3 fifties against South Africa 'A' ahead of this series. What a nice way to say that no matter whatever you do, it doesn't count 👏🏻#SAvIND — Prasenjit Dey (@CricPrasen) December 26, 2021 × Vihari made three fifty-plus scores in the recent A tour of South Africa, same as what Rahane has done in his last 17 Tests dating back to late 2019.#SAvIND — Rohit Sankar (@imRohit_SN) December 26, 2021 × Not everyone can repeat what Vihari and Ashwin did. That's why I feel bad for the treatment that Vihari has got after saving that series on one leg! — ayaan. (@AyanMusk) December 20, 2021 × Horrendous to leave out Vihari...... — BALAJI (@deep_extracover) December 26, 2021 × Tall left-arm fast bowler Marco Jansen, 21, made his debut for South Africa. "He's had a lot of success against the India A side, he hit quite a few of their batters," South African skipper Dean Elgar said. ALSO READ: 'No one told me why I was dropped': Harbhajan Singh opens up on 'sad story of Indian cricket' post retirement Jansen's presence meant that fast bowler Duanne Olivier, who had returned to the South African team after three seasons as a Kolpak player in England, won't be in the playing XI. Teams: South Africa: Dean Elgar (capt), Aiden Markram, Keegan Petersen, Rassie van der Dussen, Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock (wkt), Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi. India: Virat Kohli (capt), Mayank Agarwal, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Risabh Pant (wkt), Ravichandran Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj. Umpires: Marais Erasmus, Adrian Holdstock (both RSA). TV umpire: Allahuddien Paleker (RSA). Match referee: Andy Pycroft (ZIM).

'Horrendous to leave him out': Fans react as Hanuma Vihari excluded from playing XI for 1st Test vs SA

<p>In the first Test against India at SuperSport Park, the South Africa players were seen wearing black armbands in memory of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who passed away at the age of 90 in Cape Town on Sunday morning.<br />
<br />
Just before the national anthems were played, players from both India and South Africa along with everyone in the stadium observed a minute's silence in the memory of the world-renowned statesman.</p>

<p>Apart from the South African team, the umpires Marais Erasmus and Adrian Holdstock were also spotted wearing the black armbands.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/r-ashwin-recalls-battle-with-pain-in-sydney-test-i-was-tearing-up-my-daughter-had-to-pull-up-my-shorts-440059">R Ashwin recalls battle with pain in Sydney Test: I was tearing up, my daughter had to pull up my shorts</a></strong></p>

<p>South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa condoled the passing away of Tutu on Twitter.</p>

<p>"The passing of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu is another chapter of bereavement in our nation`s farewell to a generation of outstanding South Africans who have bequeathed us a liberated South Africa.<br />
<br />
"Desmond Tutu was a patriot without equal; a leader of principle and pragmatism who gave meaning to the biblical insight that faith without works is dead. We pray that Archbishop Tutu's soul will rest in peace but that his spirit will stand sentry over the future of our nation."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2021-22-hapless-england-bundled-out-for-185-as-australia-continue-domination-in-3rd-test-440057">Ashes 2021-22: Hapless England bundled out for 185 as Australia continue domination in 3rd Test</a></strong></p>

<p>Known for his work as an anti-apartheid and human rights activist, Tutu was conferred with the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 for his opposition of apartheid in the country through non-violence. He also coined the term 'Rainbow Nation'&nbsp;to describe South Africa post-apartheid, after South Africa's first fully democratic election in 1994 saw Nelson Mandela being elected as the President.<br />
<br />
Coming to the first Test, India had won the toss and elected to bat first with Ajinkya Rahane batting at five ahead of contenders Hanuma Vihari and Shreyas Iyer. South Africa, on the other hand, have given a debut to left-arm pace all-rounder Marco Jansen.<br />
<br />
Before the first ball was bowled by Kagiso Rabada, the South Africans took a knee ahead of start of play in their fight against racism, while the Indian team had their hands on their hearts for the same.</p>


In the first Test against India at SuperSport Park, the South Africa players were seen wearing black armbands in memory of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who passed away at the age of 90 in Cape Town on Sunday morning.

In the first Test against India at SuperSport Park, the South Africa players were seen wearing black armbands in memory of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who passed away at the age of 90 in Cape Town on Sunday morning. Just before the national anthems were played, players from both India and South Africa along with everyone in the stadium observed a minute's silence in the memory of the world-renowned statesman. Apart from the South African team, the umpires Marais Erasmus and Adrian Holdstock were also spotted wearing the black armbands. ALSO READ: R Ashwin recalls battle with pain in Sydney Test: I was tearing up, my daughter had to pull up my shorts South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa condoled the passing away of Tutu on Twitter. "The passing of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu is another chapter of bereavement in our nation`s farewell to a generation of outstanding South Africans who have bequeathed us a liberated South Africa. "Desmond Tutu was a patriot without equal; a leader of principle and pragmatism who gave meaning to the biblical insight that faith without works is dead. We pray that Archbishop Tutu's soul will rest in peace but that his spirit will stand sentry over the future of our nation." ALSO READ: Ashes 2021-22: Hapless England bundled out for 185 as Australia continue domination in 3rd Test Known for his work as an anti-apartheid and human rights activist, Tutu was conferred with the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 for his opposition of apartheid in the country through non-violence. He also coined the term 'Rainbow Nation' to describe South Africa post-apartheid, after South Africa's first fully democratic election in 1994 saw Nelson Mandela being elected as the President. Coming to the first Test, India had won the toss and elected to bat first with Ajinkya Rahane batting at five ahead of contenders Hanuma Vihari and Shreyas Iyer. South Africa, on the other hand, have given a debut to left-arm pace all-rounder Marco Jansen. Before the first ball was bowled by Kagiso Rabada, the South Africans took a knee ahead of start of play in their fight against racism, while the Indian team had their hands on their hearts for the same.

Why is South Africa team wearing black armbands in first Test against India?

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