South Africa v India: Cheteshwar Pujara hits unbeaten century

Cheteshwar Pujara punished South Africa's injury-hit attack to put India in command in the opening Test.

Pujara hit an unbeaten 135 on the third day to help India establish a 320-run lead after reaching 284-2 at the close.

He added 175 runs in the final session with Virat Kohli (77 not out) after Morne Morkel suffered an ankle ligament strain and was unable to bowl.

South Africa's bad day was compounded by leg-spinner Imran Tahir dropping Pujara shortly after he passed 50.

They had started more promisingly with Vernon Philander becoming the fastest South African to take 100 Test wickets when Shikar Dhawan edged to second slip.

Philander reached the milestone in his 19th Test, the joint-sixth quickest in Tests, and reached it one match faster than South Africa's previous record-holder, Dale Steyn.

After South Africa resumed on 213-6, Philander completed a battling 59, but India made short work of their tail and took the final four wickets for 31 to claim a 36-run first innings lead.

Helped by the loss of fast bowler Morkel, who is now doubtful for the second Test in Durban on Boxing Day, India quickly accelerated into a commanding lead.

Pujara hit 18 fours in his unbeaten innings and forged an unbroken 191-run stand with Kohli in only 44.1 overs.