The pitch offered little assistance to the pacers, forcing the South African skipper Hashim Amla to summon his spinners in under ten overs.

After losing both the openers in quick succession, Kohli and Rahane took India to 85 for 2 at Lunch on Day 1.

The Indian skipper had another disappointing outing, scoring just 22 off the 55 balls he faced.

Rahane hit the only six of the Indian innings but got out for a lowly 13.

Hashim Amla called incorrectly and Indian skipper Virat Kohli had no hesitation whatsoever in electing to bat in Nagpur. Varun Aaron and Stuart Binny made way for Rohit Sharma and Amit Mishra in India's XI.

Out-of-form Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan was the first Indian wicket that fell, a low return catch for Dean Elgar.

On a turning track, Morne Morkel impressed all with his 3 for 35 before limping off for precautionary reasons in the final session.

Simon Harmer was the pick of the bowlers for South Africa with figures of 4/78.

Murali Vijay became Morne Morkel's first victim after the pacer trapped him plumb in front of his stumps, ten short of his fifty.

After a dominating second session from the South African bowlers, Jadeja launched the counter-attack, contributing a valuable 34 to India's 215.

Night watchman Imran Tahir hit a boundary but couldn't last the day as South Africa ended Day 1 at 11/2.

Ashwin struck early to dismiss Stiaan van Zyl for a duck. Rahane took a smart catch in first slip.