India’s search for a Test-opener might finally end as Rohit Sharma has risen to the task with his 176-run knock in the first innings as an opener. The right-handed batsmen also scored at a quick knot with 29 boundaries. The host at the end of Day 2 is at a comfortable position, after declaring with 502 runs and in reply, South Africa losing three quick wickets are at 39-for-3.
As everyone was praising Rohit Sharma for his 176-runs, the other opener Mayank Agarwal should also not be left behind in appreciation. Mayank Agarwal, after Rohit Sharma’s dismissal, went to change gears and scores quickly as India looked to brief their lead, eventually getting out at 215 with 29 boundaries. Mayank Agarwal went on to score his maiden test hundred and then went on to convert it to a double-hundred. A mammoth 1st-wicket partnership between Rohit and Mayank of 317-runs pushed South Africa on the back foot.
The in-experienced South Africa bowling-lineup looked helpless while Rohit-Mayank was on the driving seat whole of day-one, losing no wicket. The South African bowlers could not produce any challenge to the batsmen and were waiting for the batsmen to give away their wickets, that didn’t happen and batsmen went on to pile-on runs.
After day 1, the opening duo went to bat the most of Day 2 as well. But after a while, in search of scoring quick runs, the batsmen perished. Till then Team India was in a comfortable position, eventually India declaring at 502-runs at a loss of 7-wickets. For the last session, South Africa opened with Dean Elgar and Aiden Markram.
The reply by the visitors was not actually they were looking for. South Africa lost three quick wickets and at the end of Day 2 and India are heading to victory. More than a victory, Team India will now be eyeing to a big win from the position they are in right now. From South Africa’s point of view, they need a partnership or two to stable the ship and at first, avoid the follow on.