Dale Steyn obtained vicious late away movement to claim two wickets as India reached 74 for two at lunch on the first day of the second Test against South Africa at Kingsmead on Sunday.
Both opening batsmen Virender Sehwag (25) and Murali Vijay (19) were caught behind the wicket after putting on 43 for the first wicket.
South Africa, who beat the world number one side by an innings and 25 runs in the first match of the three-Test series, again opted to bowl first after play was delayed by a hour because of a damp outfield and drizzle.
But in contrast to Steyn’s excellence, Morne Morkel, Lonwabo Tsotsobe and Jacques Kallis sprayed the ball around as India scored at 3.9 runs per over.
Sehwag and Vijay took advantage of the wayward bowling before Sehwag tried to drive a late away-swinger from Steyn but was anchored to the crease and edged the ball to Jacques Kallis at second slip.
Vijay lived dangerously, surviving tough chances in the slips on three and 15 off Steyn. The second miss did not matter, however, as the next ball was a superb delivery that drew Vijay forward before jagging away late to find the edge and give wicketkeeper Mark Boucher a simple catch.
Rahul Dravid (14 not out) and Sachin Tendulkar (13 not out) looked reasonably comfortable as they put on 26 runs before lunch. – Reuters