The Proteas won session one as Dean Elgar reached his half-century despite wickets falling around him on day three of the 1st Test between India and South Africa, writes Khalid Mohidin.
The opener is integral to the Proteas’ innings. His approach to his innings was admirable. He showed patience and took his scoring opportunities when they were on offer.
Temba Bavuma received a mean inswinger that deviated in from the fifth-stump region and trapped him lbw.
The top moment of the session was in the 44th over, when Elgar took on Ravindra Jadeja, hitting him for two sixes and a four. His first six was a smart slog sweep, but the pick of his maximums being the last ball of the over which flew over long-on.
Elgar ended the session on 76 off 141 balls (8 fours, 3 sixes).
Faf du Plessis joined the charge brilliantly. He paced himself beautifully to 48 off 84 deliveries (7 fours, 1 six).
The Proteas ended the session on 153-4.
India (1st innings) 502/7 dec – Mayank Agarwal (215), Rohit Sharma (176); Senuran Muthusamy (1/63), Keshav Maharaj 3/189, Dean Elgar 1/4)
South Africa (1st innings) 149-4 – Dean Elgar (76*), Faf du Plessis (48*); Ravichandran Ashwin (2-51), Ravindra Jadeja (1-52), Ishant Sharma (1-29)
Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
