India vs South Africa Highlights, 1st Test Day 3: South Africa Win By An Innings And 32 Runs In Centurion

India were always behind after conceding massive runs earlier on the third day and after the batting collapse it was almost over for them before Virat Kohli once again arrived at the occasion. However, he ran out of partners as no other batter apart from him and Shubman Gill couldn't even touch the double figures. 

That's the end of Virat Kohli as Kagiso Rabada takes a blinder to get the better of the lone fighter. South Africa have won the first Test by an innings and 32 runs. Jansen takes the final wickets as Virat departs for 76 runs.

Wicket! South Africa are just one wicket away from a dominant victory as Siraj departs for 4 runs. Burger gets his fourth wicket.

IND vs SA Live Score - India (2nd inn): 121/9 (31.5)

Wicket! Can you believe this? A run out at this point in time. Bumrah should've been quicker for the second run. He took a bit longer in the turn for the second run, giving the fielder enough time to collect and throw before Rabada knocked the bails off. Bumrah departs for 0.

IND vs SA Live Score - India (2nd inn): 112/8 (30.2)

Wicket! It looks like just a matter of time before South Africa wraps up this one. India lose another wicket as Shardul departs for 2 and are just three wickets away from a heavy defeat. Virat Kohli is running out of partners.

IND vs SA Live Score - India (2nd inn): 105/7 (28.3)

Virat Kohli seems to be batting on a different surface altogether as he puts up a lone fight after a horrible batting collapse. He brings up his fifty and is still out there looking strong and comfortable at the moment.

IND vs SA Live Score - India (2nd inn): 101/6 (27.3)

Wicket! Burger gets him in the first ball. Two in two for him as Ashwin departs for a duck. Outstanding stuff this from South African bowlers. India are heading towards a heavy defeat here with Virat Kohli putting up a lone fight. Burger will be on a hat-trick in his next over.

IND vs SA Live Score - India (2nd inn): 96/6 (26)

Wicket! That's the end of Rahul as he departs for just 4 runs. Brilliant setup from Burger to force the batter for that drive. Rahul edged it to the slip cordon as India lose their fifth wicket.

IND vs SA Live Score - India (2nd inn): 96/5 (25.5)

Virat Kohli's presence will be key for India in the second innings. He has looked brilliant so far and is having positive body language in the middle. Rahul needs to provide massive support in order to keep the team alive in the contest. 

IND vs SA Live Score - India (2nd inn): 95/4 (23)

Wicket! Another wicket for Jansen. South Africa strike once again after a break. Shreyas Iyer departs for 6 runs as India lose fourth wicket. This is a massive loss for the visitors straight after the Tea break.

IND vs SA Live Score - India (2nd inn): 72/4 (17.5)

The action in the final session of the day is underway as Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer take the crease for the visitors. Gerald Coetzee has the ball in hand.

IND vs SA Live Score - India (2nd inn): 62/3 (16)

India were off to a horrible start in their second innings with the early wickets of skipper Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal. The recovery was made by a partnership between Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill. Gill looked in great rhythm before he was undone by Marco Jansen. They have scored runs at a promising pace but the wickets will remain a tension throughout the innings. The tea for the day 3 has been taken and India are still trailing by 101 runs.

Wicket! Just when it looked like the Indian batters have managed to find the rhythm, they have lost Gill for a well-made 26 runs. This was a promising partnership between Gill and Kohli as they bailed the team out of trouble, taking the score past 50 as well before Jansen struck. The visitors are now in deep deep trouble here.

IND vs SA Live Score - India (2nd inn): 52/3 (14)

Wicket! There's another one. Horrible start for India as Jaiswal too departs for 5. Brilliant delivery from Burger and the bounce got the better of the better. It took a bit of glove on the way to the wicket-keeper.

IND vs SA Live Score - India (2nd inn): 13/2 (5.3)

Wicket! Early success for Rabada and South Africa as Rohit Sharma is on his way back to the pavilion. Brilliant delivery from Rabada to clean up the Indian captain for 0.

IND vs SA Live Score - India (2nd inn): 5/1 (2.5)

For the hosts, Dean Elgar played a remarkable innings of 185 runs whereas Marco Jansen remained unbeaten on 84 runs. David Bedingham contributed with a 56-run knock as well.

For India, Bumrah picked up four wickets for 69 runs while Mohammed Siraj ended up taking two wickets as well.

Wicket! That's it. There's the end of South Africa's 1st innings as Temba Bavuma won't be coming out to bat due to injury issues. Bumrah takes his fourth as he removed Burger for 0. The hosts have a first-inning lead of 163 runs.

IND vs SA Live Score - South Africa: 408 (108.4)

Wicket! Bumrah kicks off the second session in style as he dismisses Rabada for 1. A delivery right on the money that sends off stump for a long walk. South Africa go eight down.

IND vs SA Live Score - South Africa: 392/8 (100.5)

Another successful session for the hosts as they scored 136 runs for the loss of two wickets. Elgar's dismissal was the big one for the visitors as Shardul dismissed him for 185. Coetzee looked to attack before falling to R Ashwin in the last over before lunch.

IND vs SA Live Score - South Africa: 392/7 (100)

Wicket! Coetzee goes. He went for a big shot but managed to find the fielder at the mid off. India get the seventh wicket.

IND vs SA Live Score - South Africa: 391/7 (99.1)

Wicket! Shardul breaks the partnership. A bit of glove on the way to the keeper who makes no mistake with the catch. An incredible innings comes to an end as Elgar departs for 185 runs. The host lose their sixth wicket.

IND vs SA Live Score - South Africa: 360/6 (94.5)

Elgar and Jansen are finding no difficulty in scoring runs against Indian bowlers in the first session of the day. South Africa's lead has extended over 80 runs as they crossed the 300-run mark with ease. The scoring rate has been over three runs per over in the session so far.

India have used all five bowlers to break the partnership but no one can shine under the bright sun in Centurion.

IND vs SA Live Score - South Africa: 327/5 (87)

Dean Elgar resumes his overnight innings to score 150 runs as South Africa continue to take full control of the match. Indian pacers looked toothless in the first 30 minutes of the play so far in the session as Elgar and Marco Jansen are building the partnership and taking Proteas close to 300.

IND vs SA Live Score - South Africa: 294/5 (77)

Bumrah and Siraj in attack for India in the morning session as visitors eye early wickets in the session. Dean Elgar and Macro Jansen in middle to stretch South Africa's lead on day 3.

IND vs SA Live Score- South Africa: 266/5 (71)   

Bright sunny day in Centurion, Indian players are out in the middle in a huddle. Rohit Sharma-led side eyes to take early wickets in the morning session to restrict South Africa from extending their lead in the match.,

An all important Day 3 awaits at the Centurion.#SAvIND pic.twitter.com/RZiUcLtRRf, — BCCI (@BCCI) December 28, 2023

Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Prasidh Krishna and Shardul Thakur will look to make the most of the morning conditions as the ball will get some movement in the first session of play in Centurion on Thursday. Taking Dean Elgar's wicket will be the first task in hand for the Indian bowlers as the opener is inching towards the 150-run mark. India will also try to wrap South Africa's inside 300 to keep the trailing margin less.

The wicketkeeper faced harsh criticism on social media for his depleting form in the red-ball format. Responding to his critics after the end of play on day two, Rahul said his performance was the only way to shut the negative comments rather than responding to them on social media.

"There's no point expressing myself on social media. People who want to say things will still say it. What I have realized is that in sport, if you are in the public eye, your performance is the only way you can stay away from negative comments. What I try to do is focus on my game and performance. The farther you stay from these things, the better," Rahul said after becoming the first overseas batter to score two centuries at SuperSport Park.

Read more here: KL Rahul Responds To Critics After Historic Ton

With Dean Elgar at the crease, Indian bowlers have the giant task of getting early wickets in the morning session of play on Thursday. Elgar's unbeaten 140* steered South Africa to an 11-run lead while Marco Jansen (3*) is the other batter on the crease for the hosts.

On day two, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj scalped two wickets each while Prasidh Krishna got hold of one dismissal. South Africa will resume their innings from 256/5.

The update from the center is that play has been called off for the day. It was a shared session as India secured two wickets towards the end, applying some pressure that was lacking in the second half. Elgar, with his personal milestone and the team's position, is likely the happier captain. We'll return tomorrow with more updates.

1st Innings

IND: 245-10

SA: 256-5 (66)

The play break has the umpire reviewing light conditions, prompting players to leave the field. Hopefully, more cricket before the scheduled close, about half an hour away.

1st Innings

IND: 245-10

SA: 256-5 (66)

Gone! Prasidh Krishna claims his debut wicket, dismissing Kyle Verreynne after a successful DRS call.

1st Innings

IND: 245-10

SA: 249-5 (62)

Wicket! Just when South Africa were eyeing for a lead, with David Bedingham notching up his maiden fifty on his test debut, Siraj got him bowled.Meanwhile, Elgar continues to exhibit top-notch form. 

1st Innings

IND: 245-10

SA: 244-4 (60.1)

South Africa carry on from where they left, picking up boundaries. 100 run stand for the duo for the fourth wicket. troubling times for India.

1st Innings

IND: 245-10

SA: 214-3 (53.1)

South Africa's Session! 

The Proteas began the session strongly, scoring against Thakur-Krishna with ease. Bumrah provided some respite to the Indian unit by taking two quick wickets, but after that, it was all Dean Elgar. Elgar effortlessly completed his ton and is currently batting on 115. His unbeaten 81-run partnership with David Bedingham, who is batting on 32, has been the highlight of the session. Stay tuned as we come back for the final session.

1st Innings

IND: 245-10

SA: 194-3 (49)

Dean Elgar scores his 14th test ton. How easy has the South African opener made it look considering the overcast conditions. Elgar has looked aggressive from the beginning. He has put the Proteas into the driving seat as they inch closer to India's first innings total.

1st Innings

IND: 245-10

SA: 174-3 (44)

Played on! Jasprit Bumrah strikes again. Keegan Petersen attempts to cut one away, but the ball does enough to come back in, taking the inside edge of the bat and crashing onto the stumps. India is back in business at SuperSport Park. Game on!

1st Innings

IND: 245-10

SA: 113-3 (30.2)

Gone! Bumrah strikes. India go back to their specialist pacers, and they have responded with a wicket. De Zorzi was looking good before attempting to defend, but the ball took a thick outside edge, carried to the third slip in the hands of Jaiswal.

1st Innings

IND: 245-10

SA: 108-2 (29.1)

Dean Elgar has scored a quick fifty on supposedly tough wicket. He has engineered his innings to perfection and looks hungry for more in his last test series.

1st Innings

IND: 245-10

SA: 91-1 (23.5)

Afternoon Session: India need quick wickets to get back in the game. South African batters are milking easy runs here in Centurion. Thakur-Krishna on attack for India.

1st Innings

IND: 245-10

SA: 58-1 (19)

South Africa's session for sure. India bowled well early on, with Mohammed Siraj taking charge with his swinging deliveries. Markram fell to a late out-swinger early in the innings. But since then, the South African batters have looked unscathed and settled at the crease. Stay tuned as we come back for the second session of the day.

1st Innings

IND: 245-10

SA: 49-1 (16)

"Play and miss" has been the story of the South African innings so far. Bumrah and Siraj are firing it in, but the duo of de Zorzi-Elgar has been negotiating well in the tough conditions.

1st Innings:

IND: 245-10

SA: 33-1 (10.5)

Mohammed Siraj has been relentless and making the ball talk in these helpful conditions. Markram can only consider himself unlucky as he got a brute early on. SA 11/1 (3.5)

Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah have bowled an over each as they look to probe both openers to play on the front foot. 

1ST Test. WICKET! 67.4: K L Rahul 101(137) b Nandre Burger, India 245 all out https://t.co/032B8Fn3iC #SAvIND, — BCCI (@BCCI) December 27, 2023

Gerald Coetzee gets a faint outside edge from the bat of Siraj as he gets his first wicket. Prasidh Krishna is the new batter in. 100 for KL Rahul. What a player!!!! He gets it with a six. IND 245/9 (66)

Valuable runs are being added by this pair. India need atleast 30 runs more to fight on this minefield of a pitch. 

The covers have been removed completely. The start has been scheduled at 1:55 PM IST. Stay tuned for all the live updates!

UPDATE - Start of play on Day 2 of the 1st Test has been delayed.

We await further updates. #SAvIND, — BCCI (@BCCI) December 27, 2023

It has been overcast for a while here at Centurion. Expect South Africa to unleash pacers for a long spell to get India out early in the innings. 

Don't go anywhere as live action from Centurion will start soon. India, are 208/8, with KL Rahul and Mohammed Siraj occupying the crease at the moment. 

Good news is there is no rain since morning in Centurion. #INDvsSA pic.twitter.com/0pVqE3oJVQ, — Vimal कुमार (@Vimalwa) December 27, 2023

Rathour reckoned that overnight rain, drop in temperature and the track being under cover for one-and-half days added to the degree of difficulty the batters faced.

KL Rahul has once again stood tall amid ruins and Rathour couldn't stop praising the senior batter. 

"Rahul is turning out to be man of crisis for us. Every time, there are tough situations, he is the guy who handles it well for us. Nothing special, he was clear with his game plans, defended the right balls, attacked the right ones," Vikram Rathour said.

As per the latest weather forecast in Centurion - It has got chilly ever since showers of rain last night near the stadium. KL Rahul won't have it easy against South African pacers in these conditions.

Hello and welcome to the proceedings of day 2 of the first test between India and South Africa here at the SuperSport Park in Centurion.

The play has been called off for the day. We have early stumps due to bad weather conditions.

The rain is back and the pitch has been covered for now. It's pretty gloomy out there as well and it looks like it will take a while before we have any play.

It gets darker now with the wind blowing at some speed as well. The umpires are still in the field analysing the conditions. Still, 31 overs left in the day but it doesn't look like we will get all of them in the remaining time. 

The play has been stopped as it starts drizzling out there. Not a heavy one but it's too dark at the moment. The players are leaving the field.

Wicket! Gone! So after a heavy struggle, Jansen has his first success of the match late in the day. Bumrah went for an attacking shot but only got an inside edge to crash onto his stumps. He goes for 1 as India lose their eighth wicket.

IND: 191-8 (54.3) 1st innings

Fifty! This has been a remarkable comeback for Rahul in the Test side as he reaches his fifty in the contest where the Indian team was caught off-guard with wickets earlier in the opening day. He keeps the hopes for a challenging total alive and still grinding out there for more.

IND: 187-7 (52) 1st innings

The final session of the first day gets underway with KL Rahul at the crease alongside Jasprit Bumrah. The visitors will have to go step by step from here as they will be eyeing the 200-run mark first to get along.

IND: 176-7 (1st Innings)

What an enthralling session of play we've witnessed! Session two belonged entirely to Rabada, who single-handedly dismantled India's middle order, preventing them from scoring easy runs. The silver lining for India lies in KL Rahul's performance, as he appears poised to achieve a big total on the ground where he has previously notched a century. However, Rahul will require support from the lower batting order. Join us for the upcoming extended final session shortly...

IND: 176-7 (50) - 1st Innings

Wicket! After being struck on the head and then on the shoulder, Thakur attempted to adopt an aggressive approach. However, credit is due to Elgar for reintroducing his ace bowler, Rabada, back into the attack. Rabada responded emphatically by claiming his fifth wicket of the match. India now find themselves in a precarious situation.

IND: 165-7 (47) - 1st Innings

Shardul Thakur takes a hit on the helmet. Thakur is late on the pull, and short delivery hits the helmet forcefully, causing swelling on the left side of the forehead. Thakur appears dazed, prompting a mandatory concussion check, but he's deemed fit to continue.

IND: 157-6 (43.4) - 1st Innings

After the early carnage in the first half-hour post-lunch, Rahul and Shardul have absorbed the pressure well. They have put away loose deliveries for boundaries and are respecting the good ones. Crucial one hour ahead.

IND: 148-6 (40) - 1st Innings

Gone! Extra bounce, combined with a hint of swing, breached the defence of R Ashwin as he struggled to control the shot. It was too quick for his liking as ball takes a lot of glove on its way to third slip where Mulder takes a good catch. Rabada is on song here, and India lose their sixth wicket.

IND: 121-6 (35) - 1st Innings

The danger man departs! Virat Kohli tries to nudge one away, but the ball swings at the very last moment, taking a feather off Kohli's bat. Fire from Rabada!

IND: 107-5 (31.2) - 1st Innings

Gone! Rabada dismisses Shreyas Iyer with a nipbacker that keeps low. Iyer, late to get his bat down, falls victim to the movement and loses his stumps. Rabada makes a crucial breakthrough in the opening over after lunch. Iyer goes after scoring 31.

IND: 98-4 (28.2) - 1st Innings

South Africa started the day strongly, claiming three early wickets. It could have been more if they had capitalised on those missed opportunities. However, India are currently in a comfortable position, with Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer looking solid in the middle. We'll be back for the second session. Stay tuned...

IND: 91-3 (26) - 1st Innings

This could be a major blow for South Africa as Bavuma is suspected to have pulled his hamstring while chasing the ball. He has walked off the field. It remains to be seen how big an impact this will have on the game. Dean Elgar will be the stand-in captain for the time being.

IND: 60-3 (20) - 1st Innings 

After two dropped chances involving both Kohli and Iyer, first by Jansen and then by de Zorzi, India have looked good. Kohli has scored three boundaries on the leg side.

IND: 54-3 (17.4) - 1st Innings

Wicket! Another one. India are in deep deep trouble here as Gill departs for 2. Down the leg side, it was a slight feather off a glove and the keeper was pretty confident. Review taken and the decision is overturned to Out. Burger has his second of the inning.

IND: 24-3 (11.1) (1st Innings)

Jaiswal goes trying to drive a full-length swinging ball. Burger gets his first scalp of his career. Virat Kohli is the new man on the crease.

IND: 23-2 (1st Innings)

Out! Rabada employs the short ball strategy, inducing Rohit to attempt the pull shot. Rohit fails to keep it down, resulting in India losing their first wicket.

IND: 13-1 (1st Innings)

Cracking shot through the covers by Rohit. 4!

IND: 9-0 (1st Innings)

Kagiso Rabada to Yashasvi Jaiswal in the first over.

IND: 0-0 (1st Innings)

India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma(c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul(w), Ravichandran Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna

South Africa (Playing XI): Dean Elgar, Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma (c), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne, Marco Jansen, Keegan Petersen, Gerald Coetzee, Kagiso Rabada, Nandre Burger

Temba Bavuma wins toss, elects to field in the overcast conditions. India will be batting first in the boxing-day test match

Good news from the middle. Toss will take place within 10 minutes (1:45 PM IST).

"Prasidh is a promising prospect, but we have to be realistic that this is his first Test match. He hasn't had a lot of first-class cricket to fall back on because of a number of reasons. But I'm hoping he has a good game and enjoys himself. It's such a lovely moment when we give out a new cap to someone" - India head coach Rahul Dravid.

"The best approach is bat first, guts it out in the first two session and be happy if you're just 2 down at Lunch" - Bold from Shaun Pollock. 

The stage is set for a captivating series, with India eager to create history and South Africa determined to defend its home turf. However, for that to happen, match has to start. 

The toss and start of the 1st Test between South Africa and India have been delayed due to wet patches on the outfield.

Further inspection at 10:00 AM (1.30 PM IST)#SAvIND, — BCCI (@BCCI) December 26, 2023

The toss has been delayed due to wet patches on the field. Next inspection to take place at 1:30 PM IST.

Both captains, Temba Bavuma and Rohit Sharma, will be playing their first match since their teams' World Cup exit, adding emotional weight to the series. While a series win won't erase the World Cup disappointment, losing would be another significant blow for both captains.

The weather has improved considerably in Centurion near the SuperSport Park. It has not rained yet despite cloudy skies around the park. 

On the South African side, the team grapples with challenges in their batting unit, and the fitness of key bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi remains crucial. Dean Elgar's focus in his last Test series will be a key factor, and the experienced Rabada is vital to South Africa's cause.

While India's batting lineup may not seem as threatening, key players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma bring valuable experience. Kohli, with an impressive average in South Africa, stands out as a key asset. Young batters like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Shreyas Iyer will face their first Test in South Africa.

The Indian bowling attack, led by Bumrah and Siraj, is seen as a formidable force. Unfortunately, Mohammed Shami's absence due to an ankle injury is a setback, but the team remains optimistic about its bowling prowess.

Centurion

The Boxing Day Test is here!

Let's go #TeamIndia #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/wj4P8lu1QC, — BCCI (@BCCI) December 26, 2023

In eight previous rubbers in South Africa, India has lost seven, with the closest exception being a leveled series in December 2010 and January 2011. However, the upcoming series presents a significant opportunity for India to reshape the narrative and secure a historic win.

As India gears up for another away Test match, the team will strive to overcome challenges and make history on South African soil.

Potentially bad weather in Centurion could make this test series a one test shoot out in Newlands. Shame it’s not three tests like two years ago #SAvIND, — John Wright (@johnwright15) December 25, 2023

Coach Rahul Dravid encourages players to maintain their playing style while adapting to the conditions. The performance of skipper Rohit, Virat Kohli's approach at the crease, and covering for Mohammed Shami's absence will be crucial for India's success.

Young batters like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Shreyas Iyer will face a stern test against the likes of Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen, and Gerald Coetzee.

As India's cricketing stalwarts embark on their last African Safari, Rohit Sharma aims to guide his team to a historic win against South Africa's formidable fast bowling attack. 

For Rohit, the Test series in South Africa offers an opportunity to heal the wounds of the World Cup final defeat and secure a memorable victory. Previous Indian captains, including Azharuddin, Tendulkar, Ganguly, Dravid, Dhoni, and Kohli, have faced challenges in winning a Test series in South Africa.

However, persistent heavy rains predicted for the first two days at Supersport Park could impact the start of the series. The Centurion track is known for variable bounce, making it one of the fastest in the region, setting the stage for a compelling contest between bat and ball.

The two-match Test rubber, commencing on Boxing Day, represents India's ninth away series in South Africa since 1992, with Rohit determined to conquer what has often been referred to as the team's 'final frontier.'

Despite enduring the heartbreak of a World Cup final defeat just 36 evenings ago, Rohit Sharma is focused on leading India to a historic Test series win on South African soil. 

Hello and welcome to the live cricket coverage of match no. 1 of the test series between India and South Africa here at the SuperSport Park in Centurion.