South Africa's George Linde laments dropping Rohit Sharma on Day one

South Africa's debutant left-arm spinner George Linde on Saturday said it was unfortunate that y failed to latch onto chance given by Indian opener Rohit Sharma, whose maiden double century put hosts on a driver's seat in third Test. Rohit Sharma scored 212 and Ajinkya Rahane contributed 115 as India declared ir first innings at 497 for 9. South Africa wre 9 for 2 at close of day's play on Sunday.

"Those catches y stick or y don't. Unfortunately, it wasn't our way, it was Rohit's. He played well, so well done to him," rookie spinner said, referring to catch that Zubayr Hamza dropped at forward short leg off his bowling when opener was batting on 28. "He (Rohit) played well. He gave us that one chance, it wasn't easy and after that he didn't give a chance," George Linde said.

READ | Rashid Khan taken with first pick in Hundred draft as Gayle misses out

Linde nervous for debut on short tice

27-year-old, who was part of touring South Africa A side to India last month, was called up to replace injured Keshav Maharaj. George Linde has impressed for his domestic team Cape Cobras with 160 wickets in first-class cricket to date, at an eye-catching aver of 24.05, as well as scoring 1497 runs at 25.81. But it's been a hard toil for George Linde, who said he was a bit nervous to debut at such short tice.

"It's been lessons to be honest. Also I didn't expect to play Test cricket. This year I didn't expect to come back to play Test series. So when I got call-up, I was quite nervous," Linde said. "Luckily, I had a few days to just settle. And today few lessons learnt especially at end."

READ | Rohit Sharma calls maiden double century 'most challenging kck'

On a day dominated by Indian batsmen, George Linde was pick of South African bowlers with 4/133 from his 31 overs and he was one who terminated Rahane's sublime innings on 115. "Obviously, consistency is very important. Today, I was a lot better on off side," he said. George Linde was heavily strapped in his legs and he said: "It's because I have been diving on it for about three times, so it's protected." South Africa once have frittered away a good start and Linde said y would stay positive to force a comeback. "Obviously, it was a bad start. It's t way we wanted it to go but tomorrow is ar day. We were positive. Guys were smiling in dressing room, so we are ready for tomorrow. We are t going to sit back and relax, we are going to go forward and try to take challenge on," he concluded. 

READ | Rohit Sharma breaks record of this legendary batsman against SA

READ | Rohit Sharma says he wasn't frustrated with wait to score 200 runs