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South Africa vs India 2018: 1st Test, Day 1 - 5 things we learnt from the day

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A scorching century stand between Faf du Plessis and AB de Villiers balance out the game.

Vintage AB de Villiers and an adamant Faf du Plessis resurrected South Africa's innings after Bhuvneshwar Kumar had ripped apart the top order on Day 1 of the first Test between India and South Africa at Newlands. From 12/3, the duo took South Africa to 126 before de Villiers fell to debutant Jasprit Bumrah.

A slew of counter-attacking knocks from the lower order ensured that South Africa totalled 286 on a pitch seaming a great deal. However, the Proteas did not get so much movement late in the day when India came out to bat. That barely mattered, though, as their relentless four-pronged attack pushed India into a corner, reducing them to 28/3 at stumps on day 1.

#5 India's bizarre selection call and South Africa's full strength squad

Bumrah made his Test debut in a rather unexpected move. Credits: Network18
Bumrah made his Test debut in a rather unexpected move.

India made a few alarming changes to their Test XI for Newlands after much hype and anticipation. They decided to hand a debut to Mumbai Indians yorker specialist, Jasprit Bumrah, instead of going with Ishant Sharma or Umesh Yadav, both of whom had more to speak for in terms of selection.

If that gamble were not enough, they dropped Ajinkya Rahane, their best Test overseas batsman, for Rohit Sharma on recent form and also sat Lokesh Rahul on the bench for Shikhar Dhawan. South Africa, on the other hand, unleashed a full strength bowling attack comprising of Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander, Kagiso Rabada and Morne Morkel.

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