1st Test: Elgar ton puts South Africa on top against India on Day 2

NEW DELHI: South Africa seized an 11-run lead against India with five wickets in hand, propelled by a remarkable unbeaten century from the seasoned

Dean Elgar

and a confident fifty on debut by

David Bedingham

before bad light halted play on the second day of the first Test in Centurion.
Elgar, at 36 and set to retire after this series, delivered one of his finest innings, notching an emotional 140 not out, steering the hosts to 256-5 in response to India's initial 245.

AS IT HAPPENED: India vs South Africa, 1st Test, Day 2
His innings, characterised by audacious front-foot strokes, defied a formidable bowling attack on a seamer-friendly pitch. Captaining in place of the injured Temba Bavuma, Elgar found his groove and notched his 14th Test century, a first at his home ground, Centurion.

"It just clicked for me today. I didn't have a lot to lose. I wanted to play with a bit of freedom," Elgar shared at stumps, reflecting on his innings, which included vital partnerships of 93 runs with Tony de Zorzi and 131 with Bedingham.
Bedingham, making a composed debut, scored a confident 56 before Mohammed Siraj claimed his wicket.
Siraj, ending the day with figures of 2-63, was complemented by Jasprit Bumrah's two crucial strikes, including the dismissals of De Zorzi and Keegan Petersen.

Earlier, KL Rahul completed a resilient century for India before they were dismissed for 245 in their first innings.
Rahul, initially 70 not out, accelerated to his eighth Test ton before Nandre Burger, making his debut, bowled him for 101 off 137 balls. Burger concluded with 3-50, while

Kagiso Rabada

shone for the home side, taking 5-59.
With Elgar set to resume alongside Marcio Jansen on the following day, South Africa aims to extend their lead in this gripping Test encounter.