South Africa vs India: Rahul’s ton propels visitors on Day 1

K L Rahul produced a majestic knock in testing conditions en route to his sixth overseas century as India made a near perfect start to the Test series against South Africa, here on Sunday. Rahul (122 batting off 248), alongside opener partner Mayank Agarwal (60), set up a strong platform for India with a 117-run stand, enabling the visitors to reach 272 for three at stumps.

1. 👁 KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal
   

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   Openers Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul played with the required discipline in testing conditions to put on 117 runs for the opening wicket on day one of the first Test against South Africa at Centurion on Sunday. (Reuters)

1. 👁 South Africa vs India
   

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   The South African players entered the ground wearing black armbands as a mark of respect to anti-apartheid icon Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who died on Sunday. (Reuters)

1. 👁 Virat Kohli
   

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   India skipper Virat Kohi made a brave call to bat first on a greenish surface which is expected to get quicker as the game progresses. (Reuters)

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   South Africa's Rassie van der Dussen takes the knee prior to the start of the the Test Cricket match against India at Centurion Park in Pretoria. (AP)

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   India's KL Rahul, back, is congratulated by teammate Ajinkya Rahane, after reaching a century during the Test Cricket match between South Africa India at Centurion Park in Pretoria, South Africa, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

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   India's Mayank Agarwal, left, with teammate KL Rahul watch the electronic screen as the TV umpire reviews an LBW appeal by South Africa during the Test Cricket match between South Africa India at Centurion Park in Pretoria, South Africa, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

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   India's captain Virat Kohli leaves the field after being dismissed by South Africa's Lungi Ngidi during the Test Cricket match between South Africa India at Centurion Park in Pretoria, South Africa, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

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   India's KL Rahul, right, raises his bet and a helmet after reaching a century during the Test Cricket match between South Africa India at Centurion Park in Pretoria, South Africa, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)