India vs SA 1st Test: Rohit Sharma remains unbeaten on 52

Rohit Sharma scored a half-century as India took Lunch at 91/0 on the first day of the first Test against South Africa at Visakhapatnam on Wednesday, 2 October.

Scoring his 11th Test half-century and first since December 2018, Rohit remained unbeaten on 52 while Mayank had scored 39* at the end of the first session.

Earlier, India captain Virat Kohli won the toss and opted to bat on a dry looking surface in the first Test of the three-match series.

After trying out seven different combinations since September 2017, Rohit and Mayank have been picked as the opening pair for India.

Sharma averages 39.62 in 27 Tests and this move is the latest effort by the Indian team management to help him make an impact in the longest format of the game.

Ravi Ashwin is also making a comeback while Rishabh Pant has made way for Wriddhiman Saha in changes to the India lineup that played in the Caribbean.

South Africa made a surprising choice to go in with three spinners, playing left-arm spinners Keshav Maharaj and Senuran Muthusamy along with offspinner Dane Piedt. This will Muthusamy’s test debut.

Theunis de Bryun will take up the all-rounder duties, while Vernon Philander and Kagiso Rabada lead the pace attack in what is a younger Proteas’ lineup following retirements of Hashim Amla and Dale Steyn.

The wicket is expected to be good for batting on the first two days with spin coming into play from day three.In the absence of injured paceman Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Shami will spearhead the Indian pace attack.