India on Thursday appeared set to score another big total in the ongoing Test series against South Africa as the hosts ended the first day’s play in the second Test at 273-3 after bad light stopped the day’s play. Captain Virat Kohli was batting at 63 while Ajinkya Rahane was unbeaten at 18.
Earlier, the hero of the first Test match, Rohit Sharma, failed to repeat his magic and got out for 14 off Kagiso Rabada’s bowling. Mayank Agarwal, however, batted beautifully once again and made 108 before getting out. Agarwal had scored a ton in the first Test against South Africa, which India went on to win by 203 runs.
Cheteshwar Pujara too contributed with 63 runs before he lost his wicket to Rabada, who was the most successful bowler for the visitors taking all three wickets.
Another disappointing highlight of the day’s play was the absence of cricket fans as the Indian batsmen had to play before a near-empty stadium in Pune. This became a dominating theme of social media conversations. While some wondered if this was due to the popularity of the shorter formats of the game such as T20, others attributed the phenomenon to simple lack of interest among the public.
There are more players on the field than people in the stands. Feel for the advertisers, and of course Test cricket! #INDvsSA #Pune
— G. S. Vivek (@GSV1980) October 10, 2019
The stadium is completely empty. Why does @BCCI give tests to such venues? Been 3 years since one of India’s most iconic test venue green park got a test, you get decent crowd too there but still board is giving matches to venues where you don’t get people. #INDvSA
— चिरायु (@TimelessSteel) October 10, 2019
India and South Africa are playing Test cricket in India to an empty stadium pic.twitter.com/nCIQHhrqyv
— Anne Hathaway Stan (@AmandaRinquest) October 10, 2019
I am noticing plenty of empty seats at the stadium. Despite having the opportunity to watch home team bat. Test cricket in india is not that exciting. Compared to Eng or Aus. Or not as it’s used to be as was in 2000 to 2010. Time of Dada and Dhoni were much appreciated & enjoyed.
— ANKUR PAYASI (@Mr_Ankur_Quotes) October 10, 2019
India currently lead the series 1-0. Rohit Sharma had become the first player in the history of the game to score back-to-back centuries in both in his first Test as an opener.
