An undefeated century by veteran Dean Elgar and a fifty on debut from David Bedingham enabled South Africa to seize an 11-run advantage with five wickets intact over India as bad light halted play on the second day of the inaugural Test at Centurion on Wednesday.
At 36 years old, Elgar, set to retire after the two-Test series, showcased one of the finest innings of his extensive career, crafting an emotional 140 not out to propel the hosts to 256-5 in response to India’s initial total of 245.
He will resume alongside Marcio Jansen on Thursday, the latter standing at three, as South Africa aims to establish a commanding lead.
Elgar, stepping in as captain after Temba Bavuma sustained a hamstring injury while fielding on Tuesday, displayed unusually stylish front-foot strokes in a flawless innings against a formidable bowling attack on a track favouring seamers.
Securing his 14th Test century, this was his first at Centurion, his home ground.
Reaching his hundred in 140 deliveries, Elgar contributed significantly to two crucial partnerships - first, a 93-run stand for the second wicket with Tony de Zorzi, setting a solid foundation, and later, a partnership of 131 with Bedingham for the fourth wicket.
Making his debut at 29, Bedingham exuded confidence and composure, amassing 56 runs before Mohammed Siraj dismissed him, concluding the day with figures of 2-63.
Jasprit Bumrah also claimed two wickets, troubling De Zorzi (28) and removing Keegan Petersen for two.
The first breakthrough of the innings came from Siraj, dismissing Aiden Markram cheaply for five in the fourth over of South Africa’s innings.
Previously, KL Rahul completed his century before India were all out for 245 in their first innings, advancing from 208-8 overnight after a 25-minute delayed start due to light drizzle.
Rahul, who began the day at 70 not out, reached his eighth Test century in spectacular fashion, smashing a six into the crowd as India added 37 runs to their first-day score before being bowled out.
He had shown remarkable resilience on the opening day as South Africa threatened to dismiss India early, but missed catches and inconsistent bowling cost the hosts.
Rahul continued his aggressive approach on Wednesday, capitalising on loose deliveries to achieve his century before being dismissed by Nandre Burger for 101 off 137 balls.
Burger concluded with figures of 3-50 on his debut. Kagiso Rabada stood out among the home bowlers, claiming 5-59.
