Steyn returns as India in early trouble

South Africa seamer Dale Steyn grabbed his first Test match wicket after an injury absence of 14 months as the host fought back against a fired-up India on an enthralling first day of cut-and-thrust cricket in the opening Test at Newlands Friday. Steyn took his career tally to 418 wickets, three behind South African record-holder Shaun Pollock, as India were reduced to 28 for three at the close having bowled out the host for 286 on a spicy wicket offering bounce and some sideway movement. Cheteshwar Pujara (five) and Rohit Sharma (zero) will resume on the second day as the tourist, who trail by 258, seek an answer to the venom in the pitch and the home seam attack. Steyn, who had missed the last 15 Tests with a career-threatening shoulder injury, caught and bowled dangerous opener Shikhar Dhawan for 16 with a quick delivery that proved he has lost none of his pace.

"He'll never play Test cricket again."

After 14 months out, Dale Steyn dismisses Shikhar Dhawan after just 14 balls. pic.twitter.com/lnPhizKHyo— bet365 (@bet365) January 5, 2018

India also lost Murali Vijay for one, caught by Dean Elgar at gully off Philander, while Morne Morkel claimed the wicket of visiting captain Virat Kohli, who played at a rising delivery outside off-stump and was caught by wicket-keeper Quinton de Kock for five. South Africa won the toss and elected to bat, but were soon in trouble at 12 for three as India seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar (4-87) tore through the top order. Bhuvneshwar took a wicket in each of his opening three overs as he snagged opener Elgar with the third ball of the day and then had Aiden Markram and Hashim Amla dismissed cheaply. The home side threw a counter punch with half centuries from AB de Villiers (65) and captain Faf du Plessis (62) as they put on 114 for the fourth wicket.

Will Dale Steyn get to 500 Test wickets? https://t.co/Owhkh6BJQQ #topten #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/5P87CAsiiV

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) January 5, 2018

De Villiers reached his 50 off 55 deliveries before being bowled by Test debutant Jasprit Bumrah (1-73) after lunch, while Du Plessis flashed at a wide delivery from all-rounder Hardik Pandya (1-53). South Africa’s tail wagged to a degree as they put on 144 for the last five wickets, with De Kock (43) particularly fluent until he was Bhuvneshwar’s fourth victim, caught behind by wicket-keeper Wriddhiman Saha. South Africa host India in three Tests this month with the next two to be played in Pretoria and Johannesburg.BRIEF SCOREIndia 28/3 in 11 overs (Dhawan 16, Morkel 1/0) trail South Africa 286 in 73.1 overs (De Villiers 65, Du Plessis 62) by 258 runs