After being dismissed for 280 and letting South Africa thrive at 130 for 1, India clawed back in the match, thanks to the brilliance of their pace bowlers. Ishant Sharma led the way with three wickets as India reduced the hosts to 146 for 6. However, the pair of Faf du Plessis and Vernon Philander had stabilized the innings with an unbeaten 67-run partnership when stumps were drawn on Day 2.
Ajinkya Rahane, who scored a vital 47 for India said South Africa’s comeback means India’s second innings score will be crucial in deciding the fate of the Test.
"We wanted to bat as long as possible, but that did not happen,” Rahane said at the end of day’s play. “Virat Kohli batted well for his hundred and we had three crucial partnerships, so I can say the batting unit has done very well. Our second innings will be very crucial,"
Rahane, however, said the immediate focus would be on taking the remaining four Proteas wickets, hopefully before they level India’s first innings score. "South Africa are still trailing us by 67 runs. We need continue to bowl well tomorrow and take wickets of their tail. Then we need to bat well, because chasing 275 runs on this pitch will be a challenge," he said.
Reflecting on his own batting, Rahane said the experience of having batted at the Wanderers earlier in the year for India A helped him as he played his first Test innings in the country.
"Batting on this pitch is not difficult, but challenging. Because, South Africa pace attack is very good. Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel are experienced bowlers. I just wanted to bat in my limitations and take my time in the middle. I have an experience of 65 First-Class games, so that helped. Also, I toured here in August as part of India A team, so experience of the conditions from that time also helped me," Rahane said.
