Virat Kohli marshalled India’s patient approach with a measured century as the Proteas searched for breakthroughs in the first session on day two of the 2nd Test in Pune, writes Khalid Mohidin.
The Proteas bowled well during the first session on day two. But equally, India counterattacked the Proteas’ bowling plans.
Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane edged a couple of balls just short of slip and gully, signs that there definitely is something in the wicket for the seamers. They bode their time at the crease and played defensively while waiting to guide the loose deliveries to the boundary.
After ending day one on 273/3 the pair extended their partnership to 158 off 316 balls to take India to 356/3.
Playing without the extra batsman to give a spot to an extra seamer hasn’t affected India’s approach with the bat. They continued to show the Proteas how to bat – be patient, use your defence and take the pressure off with low-risk boundaries.
Kohli ended on 104 off 183 balls and Rahane on 58 off 161 balls.
Photo: EPA/Richard Wainwright
