Murali Vijay slams 12th half-century, 2nd vs vs South Africa, in Day 1 of 1st Test at Mohali

The right-handed opening batsman Murali Vijay on Thursday completed his 12th half-century in Test cricket. Vijay achieved the feat during the second session in the first day’s play of the opening Test between India and South Africa, art the at the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) Stadium in Mohali. Vijay faced 115 balls and struck eight boundaries to reach the milestone, as his innings has been the only bright spot for India in the contest so far. This is the second half-century for Vijay against South Africa in his Test career, and 12th overall. India were 111 for five after 40 overs, with Ravindra Jadeja batting at 1 not out off 1 ball. Live Cricket Scorecard: India vs South Africa 015, 1st Test, Day 1 at Mohali here

India lost two quick wickets close to the lunch break on the opening day, which haltered their progress. Cheteshwar Pujara failed to read a straight delivery and fell to the part-time bowler Dean Elgar for 31, and Virat Kohli became the first Test wicket for debutant Kagiso Rabada. The Indian captain mistimed a stroke and ended up lobbing the ball to extra cover, and Elgar took a good clean diving catch to take the third wicket. Live Cricket Blog & Updates India vs South Africa 2015, 1st Test at Mohali, Day 1

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India were struggling at 82 for three at lunch on the opening day of the first Test against South Africa, on Thursday. Murali Vijay did well to reach 40 not out off 80 balls, and accompanying him was No. 5 batsman Ajinkya Rahane as India lost couple of wickets in quick succession in form of Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli. For South Africa, Vernon Philander, debutant Kagiso Rabada and part-timer Dean Elgar claimed wickets as Imran Tahir was not used in the first session. It was India who won the toss and elected to bat on what looked like a track meant to support spinners, with the hosts picking three of them for this clash. South Africa handed debut to Kagiso Rabada after Morne Morkel failed to clear fitness Test.