During the second day of the opening Test at Centurion, South Africa's interim skipper Dean Elgar crafted an emotional century, propelling the hosts to 194-3 at tea in response to India's first-innings total of 245.
Stepping up as captain after Temba Bavuma's injury, Elgar's unbeaten 115 led South Africa's charge, narrowing the deficit to 51 runs with seven wickets intact. The 36-year-old, set to retire after this two-match series, showcased uncharacteristically audacious front-foot strokes against India's formidable bowling unit on a seam-friendly track.
This marked Elgar's 14th Test hundred and a maiden one at Centurion, his home ground. His century, composed of 19 boundaries off 140 deliveries, was celebrated fervently as he notched up the milestone with a boundary.
Partnering with Tony de Zorzi for a 93-run stand, Elgar laid a solid foundation before Jasprit Bumrah's quick strikes halted South Africa's rapid progress. Bumrah's deliveries accounted for De Zorzi (28) and Keegan Petersen (2), restricting the hosts from 104-1 to 113-3.
However, Elgar, in tandem with debutant David Bedingham (32 not out), resiliently steered the innings, forging an unbroken 81-run partnership by tea.
South Africa impressively amassed 145 runs in the second session on Wednesday, maintaining a run rate of 4.39.
Earlier, KL Rahul completed his century as India resumed from an overnight score of 208-8, adding 37 runs before being bowled out for 245. Rahul's aggressive approach, marked by a spectacular six, culminated in his eighth Test ton before being dismissed by Nandre Burger for 101 off 137 balls.
Burger, on debut, clinched figures of 3-50, while Kagiso Rabada shone for the home side with 5-59.
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