The Boxing Day Test between India and South Africa saw a gripping morning session with the visitors reaching 91/3 at Lunch on the first day. Despite an early stumble, Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer's resilient partnership of 67 runs for the fourth wicket stood out.
India opted to bat after a delayed start due to rain. Opening with Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal, the Indian inning commenced with a few boundaries but faced a stern test from the Proteas' bowlers, particularly Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen.
Rohit Sharma fell early, caught out attempting a pull shot off a short ball from Rabada, scoring 5 off 14 deliveries. Jaiswal's departure followed soon after, edging behind to the keeper off Nandre Burger's delivery, contributing 17 runs off 37 balls.
Shubman Gill also departed cheaply, gloving a delivery from Burger to the wicketkeeper, leaving India at 26 for 3 in the first hour.
Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer then took charge, surviving some nervy moments as they were dropped once each. They capitalized on their lives, forming an unbroken partnership and steering India to a more stable position by Lunch.
Kohli, displaying classical stroke-making, is batting on 33 while Iyer, who looked more aggressive, is on 31.
The first session showcased India's resilience after the initial setbacks, with the Kohli-Iyer partnership proving crucial in steadying the innings.
Brief Scores at Lunch (Day 1):
India: 91/3 in 26 overs (Virat Kohli 33*, Shreyas Iyer 31*, Yashasvi Jaiswal 17; Nandre Burger 2-23, Kagiso Rabada 1-15)
(With Agency Inputs)
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