South Africa vs India 2018, 3rd Test, Day 1: 5 things we learnt

#4 Pujara's battle goes on and on

Cheteshwar Pujara took his time to get off the mark

Tasked with anchoring India's innings, Pujara had come a cropper in the first two Tests, flirting outside his off-stump and running himself out twice. At the Wanderers, the Saurashtrian entered his comfort zone as South Africa's bowlers threatened all through the morning session. He was content leaving most deliveries, if not playing and missing them.

It took him a whopping 54 balls and close to 90 minutes to get off the mark. The no.3 batsman was content to stay at the crease on a surface that had swing, seam and bounce for South Africa's five quick bowlers. With India losing two up front, they needed the assurance of Pujara, and the reliable batsman stood up and gave them exactly that.