Kohli stands firm for India

CENTURION: Indian captain Virat Kohli stood firm against a relentless South African bowling attack on an attritional second day of the second Test at SuperSport Park on Sunday.

Kohli made 85 not out as India reached 183 for five at the close in reply to South Africa’s first-innings total of 335. It was tough going for both batsmen and bowlers on a slow pitch on a hot day. Kohli made his runs off 130 balls with eight fours.

South Africa’s four fast bowlers operated in short spells while left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj bowled a lengthy spell and broke the biggest partnership of the innings when he had Murali Vijay caught behind for 46. Vijay and Kohli put on 79 for the third wicket after two wickets fell in two balls with the total on 28, with Lokesh Rahul falling to a sharp return catch to Morne Morkel and Cheteshwar Pujara being run out attempting a single off the first ball he faced.

Brief Scores: South Africa 335 (Aiden Markram 94, Hashim Amla 82; Ravichandran Ashwin 4-113) India 183/5 (Virat Kohli 85*; Lungi Ngidi 1-26) by 152 runs.