Agarwal, Rohit put India in command

Opening batsman Mayank Agarwal completed a double century Thursday as India put South Africa’s bowlers to the sword in the first Test.

Agarwal made 215 out of India’s 502 for seven declared in Visakhapatnam.

South Africa then lost cheap wickets before the second day ended, reaching 39 for three at the close, with Ravichandran Ashwin leading a spin rout.

Ashwin bowled Aiden Markram for five and Theunis de Bruyn caught behind for four. Nightwatchman Dane Piedt was bowled middle stump by Ravindra without scoring. Opener Dean Elgar, on 27, and Temba Bavuma, on two, were at the crease, with their side needing another 264 to avoid a follow-on.

The 28-year-old Agarwal put on a record 317-run opening stand with opening partner Rohit Sharma to set the tone for India’s dominance.

He smashed six sixes and 23 fours in a 371-ball knock.

Agarwal eventually fell to part-time spinner Elgar.

Sharma fell for 176, stumped off Keshav Maharaj before lunch.

India then suffered two quick blows. Cheteshwar Pujara went for six and skipper Virat Kohli for 20.

Debutant spinner Senuran Muthusamy had Kohli caught and bowled as his maiden Test wicket.

Maharaj took three wickets from 55 overs of left-arm spin.

SCORES IN BRIEF

INDIA: First innings 502 for 7 decl (Agarwal 215, Sharma 176; Maharaj 2-189)

SOUTH AFRICA: First innings 39 for 3 (Elgar 27 not out 27; Ashwin 2-9)