Team India have put themselves in a strong position after the end of first day’s play in the 2nd Test match against South Africa played at MCA stadium in Pune on Thursday. Captain Virat Kohli scored his 23rd Test half-century while Ajinkya Rahane has looked solid in the middle at the other end as India finished the 1st day of the 2nd Test in Pune at a dominating 273 for 3.

Here are the takeaways for the first day’s play of the second test between both the sides.

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Ind vs SA 2nd Test, Day 1 takeaways

Ind vs SA: Mayank Agarwal’s hunger for runs continues

Mayank shouldered the responsibility of India’s innings after his partner was dismissed early. The Karnataka batsman went onto to score a second successive Test hundred to take his team into a position of strength. He was equally supported by Cheteshwar Pujara who scored his second successive half-century, and skipper Virat Kohli who is currently unbeaten on 63 and on course of getting yet another century.  

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Ind vs SA: Records broken on Day 1

After Rohit Sharma, it was Mayank Agarwal’s turn to write his name in the record books as he became the 4th Indian to score Test tons in consecutive matches’ vs South Africa in Tests. He also becomes the third Indian opener after Virender Sehwag and Rohit Sharma to have multiple tons against Proteas in the longest format of the game.

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Ind vs SA: Rohit Sharma falls in the start

In the first Test at Visakhapatnam, Rohit Sharma broke a plethora of records and also silenced his critics with centuries in both innings. The Hitman was once again expected to go after South African bowlers, but Kagiso Rabada cut short his innings dismissing him for just 13 runs. As the series progresses, everyone will be keeping a close watch on his consistency as he looks to seal his spot in the longest format of the game.

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Ind vs SA: Kagiso Rabada shines with the ball despite poor day for South Africa

Faf du Plessis will be disappointed with his team’s effort as they took just the three wickets at the end of Day 1. Kagiso Rabada was the only bowler who was effective keeping the ball in a channel outside off, getting outside edges that carried.