Virat Kohli brought up his highest Test score as India smothered the Proteas on day two of the 2nd Test to take them to 601/5 declared, writes Khalid Mohidin.
The heat, the fatigue and stubbornness showed by India haunted the Proteas.
This could be summed up by one fierce altercation between Quinton de Kock and Kagiso Rabada.
In the 123rd over, Rabada, after picking up the ball off his own bowling, threw it back to De Kock who was not expecting it and as a result of the stray pass, India took a cheap single. Rabada cursed at De Kock insinuating that he must “watch the ball”, while De Kock cursed back at Rabada stating that he must “wake up”.
At the end of the over, De Kock continued to have a go at Rabada, who walked aggressively towards De Kock to the cry of “Hey, Hey stop it” from Proteas captain Faf du Plessis. Du Plessis got between the two players and kept Rabada away from his teammate.
Fortunately, by the end of the second session, they walked off together as if nothing happened.
The highlight of the first session was Kohli reaching his hundred. The India captain took his time and measured his innings.
READ: Session Moments: Virat Kohli scores 26th ton
The second session saw Maharaj dismiss Ajinkya Rahane to bring up his 100th Test wicket.
READ: Session Moments: Keshav Maharaj brings up 100 Test wickets
The third session saw Kohli reach his double century, his 7th as captain. He did so in 295 balls.
Shortly after bringing up his double ton, Senuran Muthusamy got Kohli to cut the ball to first slip, only for replays to reveal that it was a no-ball.
This caused the Proteas to wilt even further in the heat.
Ravindra Jadeja’s effort wasn’t to be ignored either. He scored 91 off 104 balls. His contribution formed part of a 225-run partnership with his captain.
Kohli finished unbeaten on 254 off 336 balls (33 fours and 2 sixes).
The Proteas were clearly affected by spending two and a half days in the field, particularly the top order who lost three wickets early on through tired shots – Aiden Markram (0), Dean Elgar (6) and Temba Bavuma (8).
The Proteas ended the day on 36/3.
Photo: Gavin Barker/BackpagePix
