Rain halts India’s push at Centurion

CENTURION: India’s bid to post a daunting first innings total in the first Test against South Africa suffered a blow when rain prevented any play on the second day at Supersport Park.

India, seeking their first series win in South Africa, were in a strong position at 272/3 at the end of the first day but were unable to build on the platform set by KL Rahul (122*) and the other Indian batsmen.

It was raining at the scheduled start of play but although there were some brighter intervals, further rain together with a wet outfield caused the umpires to call off play for the day in the early afternoon. An extra half hour or eight overs of play will be added on the remaining three days, making for a possible 98 overs a day, but Monday’s washout effectively means 66 overs have been lost. Tuesday is predicted to be fine but there could be thunder showers on Wednesday and Thursday.

South Africa’s bowling was unimpressive. Fast bowler Lungi Ngidi was the one exception taking all three wickets.

The omission of fast bowler Duanne Olivier was a major talking point on Sunday. However, South African selection convener Victor Mpitsang explained on Monday Olivier’s preparation had been hampered by a Covid-19 infection and a slight hamstring injury.

Olivier was the form bowler of the South African domestic season leading up to the Test series, with 28 wickets at an average of 11.10 in four first-class matches.

With his ability to intimidate batsmen with fast, short-pitched deliveries, Olivier had been expected to play a key role in the Test team, especially after Anrich Nortje, the country’s fastest bowler, was ruled out of the series with a hip injury.