South Africa sent a proxy captain for toss: Here's why
India are locking horns with South Africa in the third Test in Ranchi. The opening day of the Test saw a hilarious moment even before the match started, as South Africa decided to send in a proxy skipper during the toss, along with regular skipper Faf du Plessis. Faf thought a proxy skipper might help him win the toss, but they still lost it.
Temba Bavuma was the proxy skipper, who is also their vice-captain, as he made the call during the toss. Ironically, he too failed to make the right call as India won their third toss. Meanwhile, South Africa scripted an unwanted record, as they have now lost the toss 10 times in a row in Asia. Faf has lost seven consecutive tosses in away Tests.
Following the toss, Kohli patted on the back of Bavuma as a sign of good gesture and sportsmanship. However, as he went on to speak with toss host Murali Karthik, he could barely hold on to his laughter.
Virat Kohli called it a no-brainer to bat first at the Toss #TeamIndia #INDvSA @Paytm 🇮🇳🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/3V4fKvcVWr
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 19, 2019
Kohli decided to bat first on a batting track, as he came up with a change in the playing XI, bringing in spinner Shahbaz Nadeem for pacer Ishant Sharma. Meanwhile, Proteas made five changes to their side Vernon Philander, Theunis de Bruyn, Aiden Markram, Keshav Maharaj, and Senuran Muthusamy made way for Lungi Ngidi, Zubayr Hamza, Heinrich Klaasen, George Linde, and Dane Piedt.
The South African bowlers had the opening session under their belt as they claimed three wickets when just 39 runs were on the board for India. While Mayank Agarwal (10) and Cheteshwar Pujara (0) fell victim to pacer Kagiso Rabada, Kohli (12) fell to Anrich Nortje. The pair of opener Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane steadied the ship, with their skilful batting.
