3rd Test: Kohli-Pujara construct 32 runs partnership to take India 45/2 at lunch

A constructive 32 runs partnership between Skipper Virat Kohli and batsman Cheteshwar Pujara helped India sail through the loss of early two wickets.

Within half an hour of day one, India lost both its openers Murli Vijay and KL Rahul at 8 and 0 respectively, in the third and final Test match against South Africa. 

It was after that Pujara and Kohli played defensive and continued to take the attack of South African seamers.

Pujara, who spent over 30 minutes on crease did not open his account. He had faced 51 balls but his contribution was zero.  

Whereas Kohli, played along with the ball to help India keep the scorecard ticking.

Also read: 3rd Test: Pujara on zero despite facing 51 balls so far

Rabada and Philander each struck for Proteas to give them an early advantage as India lost early two wickets during the third and final test match against South Africa.

India on Wednesday won the toss and opted to bat first at the Wanderers Stadium.

After losing two consecutive Test matches, India is playing very cautiously to avoid a series whitewash.

Meanwhile, Ajinkya Rahane, who did not play the first two Tests was recalled on the strength of a strong record in overseas Tests.

Dinesh Karthik was flown in as a replacement for injured wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha and could play at the expense of Parthiv Patel, who had a poor game with the gloves in the second Test at Centurion.