Mayank Agarwal closed in on his second hundred in as many tests as he combined with Cheteshwar Pujara to put India on course for a big first-innings total against South Africa in the second test at Pune on Thursday. India lost Rohit Sharma cheaply during a difficult opening spell from South Africa's fast bowlers but weathered the storm to reach 168 for two wickets at the tea break. Agarwal and Pujara played themselves in patiently and then improved their scoring rate as the partnership developed. Agarwal, who also hit a ton in the opening test, appeared shaky at the start and survived a close leg before appeal off seamer Vernon Philander. Pujara had an usually slow start and hit Rabada straight to Temba Bavuma at short leg before he had opened his scoring but the fielder failed to hold on to the sharp chance.

Source: dna October 10, 2019 09:00 UTC