Durban: Bad light stopped play in the Boxing Day cricket Test between India and South Africa shortly after the tea break on the first day at the Kingsmead here on Thursday.
India were 181/1 with Murali Vijay batting on 91 and Cheteshwar Pujara on 58 when umpires Steve Davis and Rod Tucker, in consultation with the Indian batsmen, called off play in view of poor light.
Earlier, Cheteshwar Pujara continued his good form, smashing yet another fifty with Murali Vijay batting on 76 as India took control of the second test match here on day one at tea. India were 163/1 at tea losing just a wicket that too in the first session.
On an easy wicket and overcast condition, Pujara and Murali denied Proteas bowlers any further breakthrough with some stubborn batting.
Earlier this morning India won the toss and chose to bat on a wicket which usually helps spinners on day four and five. Opener Murali Vijay and Shikhar Dhawan got off to a good start. Dhawan was particularly looking in a very good touch on a track where ball was coming on to bat.
Shikhar Dhawan once again failed to capitalize on a good start as India went to lunch losing one wicket for 76 on day one of the second test against South Africa here Thursday.
Despite beaten several time by Styen and Morkel, the Indian openers applied themselves and didn't get tempted on deliveries going away from bat. Both put on 41 runs for the first wicket but like in the first test Dhawan lost patience and tried to drive an out swinger from Morkel, who was doubtful for this test after twisting ankle in the first game, and gave a regulation catch at slip.
Dhawan faced 49 balls for his 29 runs that includes four hits to the fence.
