Despite the fact that Team India has a promising start in the first Test in Cape Town when the hosts were down to 12 for 3, visitors failed to capitalize on the chance. The Indians ended up losing three quick wickets before the end of day’s play, forcing them on the backfoot.
India’s batting performance left batting legend Sunil Gavaskar fuming as he was not happy with their approach on the opening day of the first Test. Speaking on Sony TEN1 TV in the pre-match show from Newlands stadium, Gavaskar said, “It is a tough ask for Indians (today). It could have been avoided (28/3). Simply not sensible. They should have given themselves little more time. A score of 20/0 would have given them a much better chance when you have only five regular batsmen.”
India lost its top 3 batsmen Murali Vijay (1), Shikhar Dhawan (16) and captain Virat Kohli (5) in quick succession as they became victim to the South African pacers. Philander, Steyn and Morne Morkel claimed a wicket apiece on Day 1 to lead the hosts to a commanding position. The visitors collapsed to 28/3 at stumps in reply to 286, with Rohit Sharma and Cheteshwar Pujara at the crease.
The second day only got trickier and as they lost Sharma in the first session with not adding much to teh scoreboard.