SA vs Ind: Spineless batting continues, India crawls to 187

Johannesburg: In the lines of over cautious attitude of Indian batsmen, visitors crawled to 187 in front of South African thunderous bowling attack on Day 1 of the third Test of three-match series at the New Wanderers Stadium here on Wednesday.

Apart from Kohli and Pujara's passionate statement of intent, no other batsmen resisted in front of fiery Proteas pacers. Yet again openers undid for India.

Bhuvneshwar, however, added some crucial runs at the death but India failed to touch 200-run mark. Bhuvneshwar's 49-ball 30-run knoch was laced with four fours.

On a wicket that promised good carry and bounce for the faster bowlers, India won the toss and surprisingly elected to bat to find only three of their batsmen reach double figures -- Cheteshwar Pujara (50), skipper Virat Kohli (54) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (30).

For the Proteas, it was a collective effort from the likes of Morne Morkel (2/47), Vernon Philander (2/31), Kagiso Rabada (3/39), Lungisani Ngidi (1/27) and Andile Phehlukwayo (2/25).

Brief Scores: India first innings 187 (Virat Kohli 54, Cheteshwar Pujara 50, Bhuvneshwar Kumar 30; Kagiso Rabada 3/39, Vernon Philander 2/31, Morne Morkel 2/47) vs South Africa.