India have reached 231-7 at the close of play on day one of the fourth Test against South Africa in Delhi.
Ajinkya Rahane was the only Indian batsman to pass 50, and his unbeaten knock of 89 has given them hope of recording a respectable first-innings total after they had been reduced to 139-6 before tea.
Rahane resumed on 32 following the break with Ravindra Jadeja accompanying him at the crease. The pair set about recovering the Indian innings, with Rahane in particular taking the more aggressive stance.
He hit South African bowler Dane Piedt for 10 in one over, bringing up his 50 with a four in the process. He and Jadeja almost guided their team past the 200 mark without any further damage, but the latter fell for 24 when he was caught by Dean Elgar off the bowling of Kyle Abbott, leaving India on 198-7.
Ravichandran Ashwin joined Rahane in the middle and the duo continued to add runs at a steady pace, taking them well beyond 200. However, South Africa missed the opportunity to dismiss Rahane when he was dropped on 74 by Hashim Amla, who fluffed his second catch of the innings.
Rahane made the Proteas pay soon after as he hit Piedt for six to move onto 84. He added five more to his total as he and Ashwin (6*) slowed down their scoring rate through the final overs of the day, before the umpires called the players off the pitch for bad light.
Steven Toplis
