India strike back after bundling out for 201 in Mohali Test

Mohali, Nov. 5 : India produced a spirited comeback after being bundled out for 201 in their first innings on the opening day of the first Test against South Africa in Mohali on Thursday.

In reply, South Africa had a stuttering start as they were reduced to 9-2 before ending an eventful day’s play on 28 without further loss at Punjab Cricket Association Stadium.

Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin trapped Stiaan van Zyl lbw for five while all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja took the wicket of Faf du Plessis for a duck.

Dean Elgar and captain Hashim Amla will face an important first session tomorrow when they will resume their innings on their respective scores of 13 and nine.

Earlier, Elgar ripped through Indian batting line-up with a four-wicket haul, while Imran Tahir clinically wiped out the tail-enders.

Murali Vijay was the lone Indian batsman to provide a solid resistance as he made 75 before being trapped lbw by Simon Harmer.

At one point, India were reeling at 154-7 before Jadeja (38) and Ashwin (20 not out) built a crucial 42-run partnership for the eighth wicket.

Cheteshwar Pujara made 31 while captain Virat Kohli was dismissed for one run. Meanwhile, Shikhar Dhawan and Wriddhiman Saha trudged back to the pavilion for their individual ducks.

After losing limited overs series, India are aiming to bounce back and salvage pride in the first of the four-match Test series. (ANI)