Ranchi Test: Rohit stands tall as SA rattle India top-order

Ranchi, Oct 19 (SocialNews.XYZ) South Africa pacers came out with a brilliant performance as they scalped three wickets in the first session of the third and final Test against India, here on Saturday.

At Lunch on Day 1, India were 71/3 with Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane batting at 38 and 11 respectively.

Earlier, winning the toss, India skipper Virat Kohli did not hesitate to bat on a dry JSCA wicket. However, his decision didn't turn out to be great as India lost their inform opener Mayank Agarwal in the fifth over at his individual score of 10.

Agarwal, who had scored centuries in the first two Tests, got caught at third slip by a peach of a delivery bowled by Kagiso Rabada.

Cheteshwar Pujara, who came in next, once again fell prey to an inswinging delivery as he was trapped LBW by Rabada and was out for a duck.

Kohli did try to steady the Indian innings along with Rohit and shared a 23-run stand for the third wicket. However, right-arm pacer Anrich Nortje ended his 12-run inning by trapping him in front of the wickets to earn his maiden Test wicket.

Rahane and Rohit then played cautiously and made sure the hosts didn't lose any further wicket till the end of the session.

India have gone with one change in their playing XI. Left-arm spinner Shahbaz Nadeem has been handed debut as he comes in place of Ishant Sharma.

On the other hand, the Proteas have made as many as five changes to their playing XI which featured in the Pune Test.

Brief scores: India 71/3 (Rohit Sharma 38 batting, Virat Kohli 12; Kagiso Rabada 2/15)

Source: IANS