SA vs IND: Cheteshwar Pujara sets an unwanted record with a first-ball duck in Boxing Day Test

Ahead of the ongoing Boxing-Day Test between India and South Africa at Supersport Park in Centurion, many eyes were set on senior Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara, who has struggled with his form in the recent past. However, when Pujara came to bat on Day 1 of the first Test, his lean patch continued as the right-handed batter was dismissed for a golden duck.

Pujara got no time to settle down as the first delivery he faced from South African pacer Lungi Ngidi bounced a bit more than usual. Pujara tried to defend with a forward press but got an inside edge into his thigh, and the red leather went up in the air before substitute fielder, Keegan Pietersen, dived forward to take a brilliant catch.

With that, Pujara achieved an unwanted record in the longest format for India. It was the ninth duck for the Rajkot-born in red-ball cricket and he surpassed legendary Dilip Vengsarkar’s tally of eight ducks while batting at No. 3 for India.

Most ducks for India at No. 3 in Tests:

• Cheteshwar Pujara – 9 ducks
• Dilip Vengsarkar – 8 ducks
• Rahul Dravid – 7 ducks
• Mohinder Amarnath – 6 ducks
• Ajit Wadekar – 5 ducks

KL Rahul’s dazzling ton highlights India’s domination on Day 1

Although Pujara failed to impress with the bat, but India overall dominated the proceedings on the first day of the three-match series opener.

KL Rahul stood tall against the South African pace attack as he ended up smashing a scintillating century. Rahul scored his seventh Test ton and stayed unbeaten on 122 off 248 balls before India posted 272/3 at stumps. Along with Rahul, Mayank Agarwal (60), Virat Kohli (35) and Ajinkya Rahane (40 no) made valuable contributions to the team’s total.

Ngidi was the only Proteas bowler who attained success against the Indian batting unit. The right-armer picked up all three wickets while conceding 45 runs in 17 overs.

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December 27, 2021 at 09:11AM