Second Test: India post 183/5 after bowling out South Africa for 335 on Day 2
Centurion, Jan 14 (Cricketnmore) Indian skipper Virat Kohli (85 batting) waged a lone battle to lift the struggling visitors to 183 for five in their first innings on the second day of the second cricket Test against South Africa at
In walked Kohli and there began the damage-repair work. Kohli and Murali Vijay (46) put together a third-wicket stand of 79 runs.
Kohli's excellent attacking batsmanship and Vijay's dogged and patient approach not only kept the hosts at bay but also applied the pressure on them.
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Kohli played with a clear mind of presenting a straight bat against the South African bowlers who were inconsistent with their probing line and length. When they erred, Kohli made full use of it, especially the ones pitched higher up.
He also used his wrists well to employ flicks off Kagiso Rabada and Morkel. South Africa opened up the infield, allowing the Indians to also get singles.
Vijay, at the other end, batted with patience, backing his defensive techniques to the hilt. He fended off the rising delivery outside the off stump with controlled cut and push.
The Tamil Nadu right-hander perished, being caught by wicket-keeper Quinton de Kock while trying to cut left-arm spinner Maharaj.
India's innings wobbled afterwards even as Kohli continued to bat with aplomb.
Rohit Sharma (10) continued to fail for the third consecutive innings as he was ruled LBW against Rabada. Parthiv (19) edged behind to give Ngidi his maiden wicket.
Later, Pandya and Kohli ensured that India don't lose any more wickets as South Africa pressed high to bag another wicket which could have heavily tilted the game in their favour.