Lokesh Rahul enhanced his case for inclusion in India's first Test XI with a composed half century, guiding Board President's XI past a difficult period
on day one of the two-day practice game against visiting South Africa on Friday.
Watched by selector Syed Saba Karim, Rahul showed plenty of grit against the top class South African new ball attack before opening out to play some pleasing shots and make 72 in a stay of 292 minutes at the Brabourne Stadium.
Rahul, who struck 13 fours in 132 balls and stood up to the new ball well, steered BP XI out of the rut with a partnership of 105 runs for the third wicket with Karnataka teammate Karun Nair, who scored 44 in 108 minutes' stay.
Wicketkeeper Naman Ojha later feasted on the spinners while making 52 in 110 minutes with seven fours and a six before he was dismissed by Dale Steyn for his third wicket when the fast bowler came back for his third spell, after tea. Hardik Pandya (47) used the long handle later to smack three
sixes and 6 fours before giving off spinner Simon Harmer the second of his three wickets for the innings and then Board XI were all out for 296 in 78.5 overs, just before the second new ball became due.
In the remaining time, the visiting openers Stiaan van Zyl (18) and Dean Elgar (18 not out) made a brisk start of 38 before the former was dismissed by Shardul Thakur.
Thakur then sent back night watchman Harmer (4) in the last over to leave the visitors at 46 for two at stumps. The Mumbai medium pacer finished with two for 28.
Brief scores: Board President's XI 296 (KL Rahul 72, K Nair 44, N Ojha 52, H Pandya 47; D Steyn three for 46, V Philander two for 37, S Harmer three for 41). South Africa (D Elgar not out 18; S Thakur two for 28).
