Former Indian player Sanjay Manjrekar said that South African bowlers made mistakes which allowed Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer to form an important partnership for India on Day 1 of the ongoing Test in Centurion on Tuesday. However, the visitors were struggling at 24/3 when Kohli and Iyer got together and steadied the ship, adding 68 runs for the fourth wicket as well. However, Manjrekar believes South Africa allowed India to bounce back into the game with some inconsistent bowling.

Speaking to ESPNCricinfo after the end of play on Day 1, Sanjay Manjrekar said about the partnership between Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer: “Virat Kohli looked really good, really compact, and brought his experience to the fore. What worked for him and Shreyas Iyer was that the South African bowlers bowled a bit wayward and that helped the batters a bit. Iyer also showed the character to go for his shots and look to cash in on every run-scoring opportunity.”

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However, South African pace bowler Kagiso Rabada claimed another five-wicket haul as he dismantled India after the lunch break. He removed both the set batters, Kohli and Iyer before KL Rahul’s stunning knock (70*). Rabada registered the figures of 44/5 in 17 overs while debutant Nandre Burger picked up two wickets as well.

Sanjay Manjrekar conclude: “Even in the first session, Rabada bowled a great spell. But he didn’t get support from the other three pacers as they bowled inconsistent lengths. I have never seen South African bowling with such strategy. What has always worked for them is that they bowl the line outside the off stump and play the patient game. That’s exactly what Rabada did after lunch and he reaped the rewards.”