2nd Test, India vs South Africa Day 2 preview: Runs and plenty of it on India’s agenda

India ended the first day of the Pune Test with a healthy 273/3, but it wasn’t a day without hiccoughs for the hosts, with South Africa getting their fair share of look-ins. The visitors will be disappointed, in fact, that they didn’t make the most of it, and the looming figure of Virat Kohli, unbeaten on 63 by stumps, now hangs over them ahead of the second day.

There was enough in the conditions, especially early on, for South Africa to make India dance. There was no repeat of Rohit Sharma’s Vizag heroics here after he was forced into an edge by Kagiso Rabada with one that straightened after pitching. It went straight to Quinton de Kock, bringing an end to his 35-ball stint for 14.

The conditions aided the visitors a bit – it was even South African-ish, some might say – but South Africa weren’t able to capitalise on their opener. Cheteshwar Pujara, constantly stepping out to the spinners, and Mayank Agarwal, fortuitous at time, commanding at others, worked the bowlers and put on a 138-run stand for the second wicket that increasingly quietened the South Africans. However, Rabada trusted his stock ball, and kept plugging away.

Eventually, one seemingly routine delivery outside off had a hint of movement, and Pujara edged it to the slips. All the while, Mayank Agarwal had kept knocking the runs away. He was in 90s, hammered a six to get closer to three figures, and cut one away to find the fence, with Virat Kohli at the other end. The captain was visibly delighted – he had a fine opener to rely on now – and at the time, India looked unbeatable.

However, Mayank couldn’t do what he did in Vizag and convert it into a double ton – Rabada was at it again to force an edge – but Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane punished the bowlers in the final session, with Kohli finding the fence 10 times before stumps. The Indian captain looks menacing, and South Africa will need to be wary on the second day.

There’s every chance that India capitalises on this and puts on another big total in home conditions. Rahane looked solid during his 70-ball 18* and South Africa will need to break the duo early on Friday to have a chance in this match.

For that, however, Rabada needs more support. Anrich Nortje, who replaced Dane Piedt, was struggling with his lengths – her was either too short or too full – while Vernon Philander was economical without threatening anyone. Wickets are key for the visitors, and that’ll be foremost on their agenda. India are already in a dominant position here, and will want to make it a daunting one.  

Key players

Virat Kohli (India): The Indian captain doesn’t have a Test century in 2019. His last ton in the format came in December 2018 in Perth, Australia, and since then, he has played ten innings without reaching three figures. It’s not alarming – indeed, if it was anyone else but Kohli, it wouldn’t even be a talking point – but the Indian captain will be keen to correct that soon. He’s in prime position to do that now, and South Africa better watch out.

Kagiso Rabada (South Africa): After a toothless display in Vizag, where he managed just one wicket after shipping over 100 runs, Rabada was closer to what is expected of him in Pune, prompting three edges for three top order wickets. He will need to be at his best on the second day to ensure India doesn’t get away to a big total. South Africa will be relying on him.

Brief scores

India 273/3 in 85.1 ov (Mayank Agarwal 108, Cheteshwar Pujara 58, Virat Kohli 63*; Kagiso Rabada 3/48) vs South Africa

Prediction

Kohli to get to his century, with India being dismissed for less than 450.