Highlights India vs South Africa 3rd Test, Day 1: Bhuvneshwar gets Markram early after India's 187

MAIDEN! A play and a miss to end the day! On a length around middle, angling away, Kagiso feels for it but then decides to take his bat away. Almost nicks it behind. A jaffa! SA 6/1 at Stumps, trail IND (187) by 181 runs. Elgar 4*, Bhuvneshwar 1/3

Last over of the day coming up. Can India take another wicket?

What a delivery! Kumar is really a handful when he gets it right. Bowls a length ball around off and gets it to deviate a long way away. Elgar is opened up in his stance and is foxed.

Good shot from Elgar! Fullish ball on off, Dean comes forward and pushes it down the ground past mid on. Gets a brace for doing so. SA 6/1 in 4 overs, trail IND (187) by 181 runs

Elgar has been hit on the back elbow. Pretty painful region to get a blow. The physio comes out and attends him.

A huge appeal for an LBW denied! Length ball swinging in sharply from outside off. Rabada points his bat skywards to wear it on the pads. The Indians roar in appeal but the umpire stays put.

The nightwatchman, Kagiso Rabada comes out to bat.

OUT! The strike bowler for India delivers! He is so good upfront and it is rarely he disappoints. Runs in with good rhythm from overs the wicket and bowls a back of a length ball around off. The ball shapes in after pitching as well. Markram hops and tries to defend it but gets a faint nick behind. Patel moves to his right and accepts it gleefully. Just the start India wanted. . SA 3/1, trail IND (187) by 184 runs

Going down with the angle this time, Dean tries to play it across but misses. Patel collects it nicely with a dive. Bumrah starts off with a maiden.​ IND 3/0 in 2 overs

Jasprit Bumrah to bowl from the other end.

Good game awareness! Back of a length ball around off from Bhuvi, Elgar taps it towards covers and scampers to the other end to get going.  SA 1/0 in 0.1 overs vs IND

Dean Elgar and Aiden Markram are at the crease. Elgar is on strike. Bhuvneshwar will open the attack, Three slips and a gully in place. A short leg too. 

SOUTH AFRICA INNINGS

A meek surrender from India has meant that they have ended with a way below par-score. The visitors elected to bat first on a conducive track for swing bowling and were found wanting. They lost their openers very cheaply and were struggling to come to terms with the pace and bounce on offer. Kohli came in and along with Pujara started the revival work. They played cautiously and saw off the new ball. There were times when the duo got lucky but still, credit needs to be given to them for fighting it out.

OUT! That's the final nail in the coffin! Short ball, angling in and climbing on Kumar. He gets into an awkward position and still goes through with his pull shot. Ends up getting a top edge that swirls in the sky towards short mid-wicket. Phehlukwayo backtracks and takes a fine catch. INDIA ARE BOWLED OUT FOR 187!​

FOUR! Shot! On a length on off, Kumar backs away and hammers it over the bowler for a rocketing boundary. These are handy runs.​ IND 186/9 in 75.2 overs

Lungi Ngidi is back for a bowl.

Total misjudgement from Ngidi. He's at mid-on there but the ball falls behind him, and he's trying to reach behind one-handed with no intent. Looked like he had given up. Bhuvneshwar charged and mistimed this one. IND 182/9 in 75 overs

FOUR! Hit hard! Length ball in line of the stumps, Kumar makes room and hammers it down the ground for a boundary. His bottom hand came off but he managed to get enough on it. IND 176/9 in 73.2 overs

Jasprit Bumrah is the last man in.

OUT! The bowling change has paid dividends! Rabada steams in and attacks the stumps with a full ball. Sharma attempts to push it down the ground with zero footwork but gets an outside edge that flies towards second slip. Faf du Plessis stationed there dives in front and takes a smart catch. The South Africans are jubilant! . IND 166/9 in 72.1 overs vs SA

Kagiso Rabada is back in the attack!

Good running! Full and outside off, Kumar strokes it through covers and calls for two immediately. The man at sweeper cover has a lot of ground to cover to his right and the batsmen get the desired result.​IND 166/8 in 72 overs

Almost finds the outside edge! Full ball, encouraging Kumar to go for an expansive shot. He obliges but once again only manages to connect with thin air. IND 164/8 in 70 overs vs SA

 Ishant Sharma walks in at number 10, replacing Shami.

OUT! Gone this time! A shot too many for Shami. Landed outside off, Shami is in no mood to defend and just throws his bat at that. But his bottom hand comes off the willow and the ball goes off the toe end of the bat, high in the air. Simple catch to Kagiso Rabada at mid off.​IND 163/8 in 67.5 overs vs SA

Vernon Philander is back on. Can he finish things off?

FOUR! Full and outside off, Bhuvi nicely opens the face of his bat and guides it past second slip to third man! IND 163/7 in 67 overs

On middle, worked through mid-wicket for a single. Bhuvi is halfway down for the second but Shami is not interested. The ball had gone a long way to the deep so the second was on.​ IND 156/7 in 66 overs vs SA

FOUR! Nice shot! A short ball outside off, Shami arches back and flashes it over - what is that? A man somewhere between short third man and third man - and gets a boundary! Morkel is not happy with that field placement and wants that man at a traditional third man position! IND 154/7 in 65 overs vs SA

FOUR! Fine shot. On a length outside off, Kumar punches this off the back foot through the covers for a boundary! IND 148/8 in 63.4 overs

 Mohammed Shami is the new man in at number 9

OUT! Another one goes! India gifting wickets away. A short ball outside off, Pandya thinks he can get the better of the opposite all-rounder but the bowler gets the better of him. The bounce is steep and the pull only gets a top edge. It goes straight up in the air and Quinton de Kock does really well to run back, keep his eyes on the ball and eventually take a steepler. Second wicket for Phehlukwayo! IND 144/7 in 63.2 overs vs SA

Bhuvneshwar Kumar walks in next, at number 8, replacing Parthiv.

 OUT! Caught behind! That is a bad, bad shot. The ball was not the best, short and wide outside off, Partjhiv Patel leaps and tries to punch but is comfortably beaten by the extra bounce. Only manages a thick nick and that is gobbled by the keeper. Two quick wickets for South Africa. IND 144/6 in 62.2 overs

Hardik Pandya walks out at number 7, replacing Pujara.

OUT! The least impressive of the bowlers has taken out the most prized wicket! Indecision costs Pujara. Outside off, pretty wide, Pujara is not sure whether he should play at that or leave it. He is across his stumps and pushes at the ball. Halfway through the shot, he realizes that the ball can be left alone. Now, he tries to withdraw his bat but his commitment to the earlier cause does not allow him to get the bat behind much. The ball moves just enough to take whatever piece of willow is available and goes to the keeper! End of a long vigil. . IND 144/5 in 61.3 overs vs SA

FIFTY! Short and outside off, punched through point for a couple. There is his 50! Strike rate of 28.9 but who cares! Batsmen who perhaps bat quicker are back in the pavilion. Pujara weathered the early storm and now is making hay when the sun is shining. To add more context, Pujara has scored 24 out of the 30 runs in this partnership from just 33 balls! Talk now!. IND 143/4 in 60.1 overs

FOUR! Pujara drives it beautifully. The runs are starting to flow now! 6th boundary in just the 7th over of the session. Down the leg side, Pujara is now settled enough to turn it around the corner and beat the long leg fielder. IND 140/4 in 59.3 overs.

FOUR! Good shot. Fractionally short outside off, Pujara punches it through the covers and gets a boundary. Moves to 42 with his 7th boundary and the stand is now worth 22.

FOUR! Pujara plays it his way. SUBLIME! He is batting in his own zone. No strike rate fuss, no extra bounce issue, no movement trouble. Get a half volley, pounce on it. Pujara leans into this one and drives it through the covers for an elusive boundary.​ IND 129/4 in 56.5 overs.

According to Cricket South Africa, an extended final session is expected with the play likely to go on until 5.30pm local time.

FOUR! Glorious! Short and wide from Ngidi to start with, Pujara pounces on the offering with a back-foot cut through the covers.​ IND 121/4 in 55 overs

Overpitched from Rabada, Pujara jammed the drive towards mid-on where Morkel didn't time the dive well. Too late in the motion and the ball sneaks past him. 3 runs more to the Indian total. IND 117/4 ​

37 overs. Stumps. Which will happen first? In all likelihood, the latter. The over rate is very poor, there is no spinner, which means, a lonnnnnngg final session awaits us. Welcome back. Kagiso Rabada will start off proceedings to Cheteshwar Pujara. Here we go...

... Day 1, session 3 ...

In command, are South Africa. Every bowler except for Andile Phehlukwayo has taken a wicket and all of them have been extremely economical. The over rate is a worry but then if the Proteas manage to dismiss India tonight itself, captain Faf du Plessis will not complain. He will be looking to get to the bowlers quickly after Tea and perhaps even dream of batting tonight, if the opportunity presents itself. No sign of rain so far, thankfully. Join us back at 1500 local (1300 GMT) for the final session. 37 overs scheduled.

Amidst all the rumble, Cheteshwar Pujara has stood out royally. His runs scored and the strike rate might be a cause of concern for some but in reality, had he not been there, India might well have been bowled out. Only two batsmen have managed double figures so far and the visitors will hope to see off the day without losing more than a wicket.

Mixed session. 69 runs, 2 wickets and 26 overs bowled. Attrition has been the order of the day, such has been the bowling by the Proteas. India started the session well though, with AB de Villiers handing another life to Virat Kohli and the stand between him and Pujara building on. But the new kid on the block, Lungi Ngidi, got rid of the Indian captain for the second time in a row, this time AB taking a superb catch. Rahane then survived a caught behind appeal off a no-ball but then was dismissed soon after.

Pujara (27*) leads India's charge as the visitors reach 114/4 at tea against South Africa in Johannesburg. Mixed session. 69 runs, 2 wickets and 26 overs bowled. Attrition has been the order of the day, such has been the bowling by the Proteas.

WICKET! India lose Ajinkya Rahane for 9 runs. Morkel traps him LBW. IND 113/4 in 51.4 overs. The decision stays as it is! Umpire's call! Hard, hard luck for Rahane. Only a small part of the ball is hitting the leg stump but that will do for South Africa. Good bowling by Morkel, getting this full after the previous short one and tailing it in. Rahane looks to flick but misses and is hit on the pads. Morkel appeals, umpire Ian Gould thinks for a while and then raises his finger! Rahane has a long chat with Pujara and then signals for the review. Hawk Eye shows the ball to be clipping the outer half of leg stump. The no ball life earlier does not count for Rahane. India do not lose a review though... if that can be called as a cloud with a silver lining...

REVIEW! Morkel has trapped Rahane in front! Is that a no ball? Is that a wicket? Rahane has a chat with Pujara and gets it referred.

Even after losing his wicket for 54 runs, Kohli became the first captain from Asia to score two fifty-plus knocks in a Test series in South Africa.

South Africa captain Faf du Plessis appears a bit frustrated after Philander gets a wicket off a no-ball.

REVIEW! NOT OUT. Ajinkya Rahane gets a life. IND 102/3 in 48.3 overs. What a lifeline for Rahane! He has had a pretty uncomfortable last 10 minutes and was nearly consumed by this peach. The ball lands on a length around off and Rahane commits himself to play at that. But then the ball moves away and the batsman thinks, should I leave it? Rahane tries to withdraw his bat but is a bit late and the ball goes off the edge to the keeper! The Proteas appeal but Rahane starts to walk even before the umpire raises his finger. Oh wait... he is asked to stop as Aleem Dar wants to check for the no ball. And replays show that Philander has nothing behind the line! The foot has landed right on the crease! Come back, Rahane!

Double change. The man playing his 50th Test is back on.

Morne Morkel to Cheteshwar Pujara, no run. Widest of the lot to end the over, the master of patience lets it go.​ IND 101/3 in 48 overs.

Morne Morkel is back on to bowl.

The average first day score at Wanderers is 249/7. Both teams will have to get a move on to reach that average - runs and wickets.

India TV Sports Editor Samip Rajguru firmly believes India are in trouble after they lost their captain in Johannesburg.

A statistic shows that 10 out of Virat Kohli's 13 fifties since 2016 have been converted into centuries. However, he fails to convert it this time.

"Can't take your eyes off this innings by Kohli. Has ridden his luck but he's taken on the bowling and it has been fantastic to watch," cricket commentator lauds Kohli after he scores a fifty on tough conditions.

In comes Ajinkya Rahane at number 5. Two Tests too late but still, better late than never.

WICKET! Kohli falls just after scoring his 16th Test fifty. Kohli does not chase the previous one but he chases this one and is gone! AB de Villiers dropped him on the previous occasion but not this time. Full and wide outside off, could have been left alone, Kohli reaches out for that without moving his feet much and gets a thick outside edge. AB de Villiers at third slip is initially not sure to have his hands in reverse cup position or the bucket-like one and in the end, goes for the second choice. The decision has to be made in a split second as the ball travels really fast to him. Mr. 360 degrees takes that decision quickly, keeps his hands bucket-like and takes the catch. He then lands surprised on the ground, thanking his stars that he did not go reverse cup for that. End of a fine, fine knock from Kohli, taking the bull by the horns. The stand is broken at 84, still no triple digit partnership for India in this series. Ngidi's parents have a proud moment in the stands, applauding their kid's wicket. This is the first time they are watching a live cricket match. Great moment.  IND 97/3 in 42.4 overs.

FIFTY! Kohli scores his 16th Test half-ton in Johannesburg. IND 94/2 in 41.3 overs.

Kagiso Rabada to Virat Kohli, FOUR! In total command is King Kohli! A short ball outside off, Kohli swivels again, this time getting on top of the bounce and pulls it through square leg for a boundary! Brings up his half century as well. Superb knock. Now for the big one.

A close observation on the pattern of Virat Kohli's team selection. Has he played the right set of players today?

Kagiso Rabada to Cheteshwar Pujara, no run. Full on middle, tailing in slightly chipped uppishly towards mid on.​ IND 84/2 in 39 overs.

FOUR! Kohli hits it to deep extra cover. Full and outside off, Kohli leans and drives it through the covers for a boundary! IND 83/2 in 36 overs.

Kagiso Rabada is back on.

FOUR! Kohli joins in. Runs are flowing for India at the moment. STREAKY FOUR! Luck is on the Indians' side at the moment. Morkel lands this on a length outside off and gets it to jag back in. Kohli looks to defend but is cramped up. An inside edge is induced but the ball goes over the stumps to the fine leg fence!​

FOUR! Pujara times it well. Straight across the fence. MARVELLOUS! Made that look really easy. Not exactly a half volley, it is on a length outside off but Kohli gets across and drives it as straight as a rocket down the ground for a boundary.​ IND 69/2 in 34 overs.

Watching Virat Kohli being dropped twice, a fan suggests South Africa to aim for stumps this time.

DROPPED! Kohli gets another life.  This time, De Villiers drops him on 34. Would you believe it that AB de Villiers is the culprit? Short and room on offer, reckless approach from Kohli who reaches out to it and tries to cut it. Only manages to get a bottom edge that flies towards AB at third slip. He crouches and attempts to catch it as the ball dips in. Only gets his fingertips to it and the ball bursts through towards third man. Two runs taken. This is the second time the Indian skipper has been dropped. He is certainly leading a charmed life.

Kohli and Pujara build 50-run partnership stand after early blows. IND 63/2 in 31 overs.

FOUR! Pujara finally seems stretching his muscles a bit. All of a sudden, the runs are flowing. Three boundaries have been scored in the last 4 balls. Shortish again and well outside off, Pujara pounces on the opportunity and slaps it through covers to find the fence. For the first time, Philanders has been off the radar. The protection is there for the drive but he is bowling too short for the liking of his side.​

FOUR! Poor delivery and gets the treatment! Short and room to play with, Pujara rises on his toes and crunches it through point. The fielder hares after it but only comes second best.​ IND 59/2 in 29.2 overs.

While India currently battling in South Africa, former Proteas' all-rounder Jacques is off to India ahead of IPL Auction, to be held in Bengaluru on January 27-28. Kallis, who coaches Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League, asks his fans whom would they like to see in the KKR squad.

Morne Morkel to bowl from the other end.

Vernon Philander to Virat Kohli, No run. Length ball outside off, holding its line. Kohli leaves it alone.​ IND 46/2 in 28 overs.

We are back for the afternoon session. Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara to continue their innings.

A top start to the game for the Proteas. They didn't win the toss but got the desired choice of bowling first on a conductive track. They have been all over the Indians, picked up early wickets and kept a stern check on the run-flow as well. The ball has swung like a banana, bounced steeply, seamed off the deck substantially to test the batsmen. The Big Vern was in the thick of things once again as he got rid of Rahul with a beauty of a delivery. There was another case of a batsman throwing his wicket away in the form of Vijay. So, it seems that he has not learnt from his mistakes.

Andile Phehlukwayo to Virat Kohli, no run. Full length ball in line of the stumps, kept out watchfully to mid on.  LUNCH! IND 45/2 with captain Kohli fighting at 24*.

The Sun is shining in all its glory at the moment.

FOUR! Kohli slashes it hard. Poor delivery and duly punished! Short and a lot of room to play with. Kohli rises on his toes and thrashes it past backward point for a rocketing boundary.​ IND 45/2 in 24.4 overs.

Meanwhile, cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle opines that Pujara is practising abstinence in Johannesburg. The Saurashtra batsman took 54 balls to get off the mark in the third Test.

Andile Phehlukwayo to Virat Kohli, 1 run. This has been a wayward start from Phehlukwayo. Too full and down the leg side, worked through backward square leg for a run. IND 40/2 in 23 overs.

Great news, finally Pujara has got off the mark on the 54th ball of his innings. The whole Indian dressing room is celebrating the single. IND 34/2 in 22 overs

FOUR! Lovely square-drive from the Indian captain. The feet moved well and he hit it into the gap. Was a fraction too full from Rabada and Kohli got across nicely to put it away. IND 31/2 in 21 overs

Philander drops the big fish (Virat Kohli) for 11. IND 27/2 in 20.1 overs

Too straight and full, Kohli flicks it through mid-wicket for a couple. 4 runs from the over. IND 27/2 in 19 overs

What a take, de Kock! Swinging down the leg side, Kohli misses his flick. Quinton dives like a goalkeeper to his left and makes a partial stop. Only a bye taken. 3 runs from Ngidi's first over. IND 23/2 in 18 overs

Lungi Ngidi comes into the attack. He was the star in his debut match and will look to put in another match-winning performance.

Edgy! Fullish ball on off, some nibble in the air. Pujara plays at it with soft hands but gets a safe edge towards the slip cordon. IND 20/2 in 17 overs

Full-length ball just outside off from Philander, shaping away, wanting Kohli to go for an expansive shot. The Indian skipper doesn't fall for the bait. He has looked assured at the crease so far. 7 maidens so far from the 'Big Vern'. IND 20/2 in 16 overs

South Africa are right on top. Testing time for the batsmen. India need to grind it out and fight fire with fire.

Kagiso Rabada is back on. Change of ends for him.

Ooh.. heavy movement catches Pujara into a tangle. On a driveable length outside off, Pujara pushes at it with hard ends and almost nicks it behind to the keeper. Didn't move his feet much and almost paid the price for it. IND 19/2​ vs SA

Time for Drinks!

Once again Kohli plays a push-drive for a couple through the vacant backward point area. Good batting from the Indian captain.​ IND 19/2 in 13 overs

MAIDEN! Unplayable delivery! Fullish ball around off, angling in initially to bring Pujara forward and then moves away to go past his hanging bat. This pith is certainly a heaven for fast bowlers.​ IND 17/2 in 12 overs

FOUR! Glorious!  Kohli gets off the mark with a brilliant cover-drive. Half-volley outside off from Rabada, the India skipper is on the front foot and then unleashes a firm drive off the front foot.​ IND 17/2 in 10.4 overs

Almost another wicket! What a brute of a delivery. Good length ball in the tight off stump channel from Philander, Pujara points his bat skywards but the ball nips in and just goes over the off stump. If the bounce was a bit low, he would have been a dead duck. IND 13/2 in 10 overs​

Outside off, shaping away, Kohli leaves it alone. Wicket-maiden for Rabada.​ IND 13/2 in 9 overs

The Indian skipper, Virat Kohli strides out to bat. He has been the only batsman among the top six who has looked in decent form. A captain's knock is the need of the hour.

OUT! The decision to bat first on a spicy track is backfiring on India! However, this was a very, very ordinary shot. You need to at least be circumspect in approach when the ball is doing so much. Alas, the approach has been forgettable. Fuller in length hurled wide outside off, moving further away. Vijay chases it with minimal footwork and ends up getting a thick outside edge. De Kock moves to his right and accepts it gleefully. South Africa right on top. The talented Rabada is on the money from the word go. IND 13/2 in 8.4 overs vs SA

The talented Kagiso Rabada comes into the attack. He would try to keep the pressure on.

A huge appeal for an LBW denied! Fullish delivery from Philander, angling in sharply. IND 12/1 in 7.3 overs

Good bowling from Morkel! Catching the batsman off guard. Short of a length around off, angling in. Vijay is tentative as he pokes his bat at it but gets an outside edge that rolls towards the slip cordon. IND 12/1 in 7 overs

4 Byes! Bonus runs for India! Finally the scoreboard moves after five consecutive maidens. The inswinger this time but it is way down the leg side, Vijay misses the glance while de Kock is also beaten on the dive. The ball rolls through to the fence. Four byes signaled by the umpire.​​ IND 11/1 in 6.1 overs

Not Out! Definitely close but the batsman just survives! Fuller in length in the avenue of apprehension, seaming in after pitching. Pujara comes forward gingerly to block it but misses to get hit flush on the front pad. Philander roars in an appeal along with his teammates but the umpire stays put. He tells his skipper to go for the review to which he agrees. Snicko doesn't spot any nick. Time for the Hawk Eye. The impact is in line but it is clipping the top of middle. Hence, the on-field call stays and India retain their review. Fifth maiden on the trot, the pressure is certainly on India. IND 7/0 in 6 overs

South Africa opt for a review against Pujara! Vernon Philander is absolutely convinced that he has Pujara trapped in front. He eggs his skipper to challenge the decision. Certainly looks close to the naked eye.​

Fuller in length on middle from Philander, swinging away. Pujara covers the line and defends it stoutly. Another maiden! IND 7/0 in 4 overs

Cheteshwar Pujara strides out to bat. He has had a poor tour so far. Can he stand tall on this occasion?

OUT! Philander draws first blood! He has begun on a positive note in his 50th Test match to provide the ideal start for his side. Bowls a length delivery in the corridor of uncertainty and gets it to move in late after pitching. Rahul is caught in the crease as he feels for it with a big gap between his bat and pad. Ends up getting a faint inside edge and de Kock behind the stumps is alert. He gets low to his left and takes a fine catch. Good stuff from Philander. He brought some balls in and swung some away to catch the batsman off guard. You are always unsure when the bowler is bowling that way. Yet another failure for Lokesh Rahul in this series. The South African players are jubilant!  IND 7/1 in 3.1 overs

This is testing stuff from Morkel, not allowing Vijay to have a sighter. Moves this one appreciably. The batsman looks to keep this out but the ball brushes the pocket of his trouser and sails through to de Kock. IND 7/0 in 3 overs

MAIDEN from Philander! Top stuff from the pacer! Good leave from Rahul! Back of a length ball around off, nipping in this time. Rahul points his bat skywards to make a brave leave.​ IND 7/0 in 2 overs

Vernon Philander to share the new ball from the other end. This is his 50th Test match and he will be eager to make it a memorable one.

Well played! Fractionally overpitched on off from Morkel, Vijay leans ahead and strokes it past mid-off for a  couple. IND 7/0 in 1 over

FOUR! Streaky way to open the account for himself! Full delivery outside off, encouraging Vijay to go for an ambitious shot. He fiddles at it with minimal foot movement and gets a thick outside edge which goes past the right side of the gully fielder and runs through to the fence. IND 5/0 in 0.4 overs

No ball! Early signs of the true nature of the pitch. Back of a length ball in the avenue of apprehension, shoots off the deck and angles in. Vijay knows where his off stump is and makes an assured leave.

The players are done with the National Anthems and we are all set to go. Murali Vijay and KL Rahul have come out to open for India. Meanwhile, Morne Morkel to start the proceedings for South Africa. Three slips and a gully in place. Let's play!

The players get ready for their respective national anthems.

Playing XIs:

South Africa (Playing XI): Dean Elgar, Aiden Markram, Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers, Faf du Plessis(c), Quinton de Kock(w), Vernon Philander, Kagiso Rabada, Morne Morkel, Lungisani Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo

India (Playing XI): Murali Vijay, Lokesh Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli(c), Ajinkya Rahane, Parthiv Patel(w), Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah

Du Plessis: "We were thinking to bowl first. Wanting to get into their batting line-up. If there is a lot of sunshine, the cracks could widen but if it stays overcast, then there could be a lot of movement. It's also quite hard and that's why we wanted to bowl. Yeah, Jo'burg never really spins and hence so the spinner usually has to do a holding role. So, we have Andile in for Keshav. They are always a quality side and it's a good motivation for us to beat them 3-0."

Kohli: "We are going to bat first. There is a good grass covering here and it's always been there. If we bat well, we can put some pressure on them. We've played some really good cricket here. Even the last time around, we did well. Should be a good contest. We are up against a side who are really strong in their conditions as they have shown in the first two Tests. We have two changes." Ajinkya Rahane in for Rohit Sharma and Bhuvneshwar Kumar replaces Ravichandran Ashwin

TOSS - India have won the toss and have opted to bat​

Brief Preview: Faced with the prospect of a humiliating whitewash, a desperate India would be aiming to make the right selections against an unrelenting South Africa in the third and final Test, starting on Wednesday. The hosts have already sealed the series win, after winning the first Test in Cape Town by 72 runs and the second Test in Centurion by 135 runs.

This was the first overseas Test series loss for India under Virat Kohli (discounting the 2014 loss in Australia as MS Dhoni was full-time captain back then). The tour has also ended India's streak of nine consecutive series' wins since 2015. The side, however, will not lose its no.1 Test ranking despite even if the rubber ends 0-3. (Read Full Preview Here)

PITCH REPORT - Shaun Pollock doing the pitch report says that there is a good grass covering on the track. States that the surface is nice and hard. Feels that there are a few cracks which can come into equation as the game progresses and the captains might be tempted to go in with the sole spinner. Ends by saying that as it is a spicy track, a captain should opt to field first if he wins the toss.