Though India had an upper edge in the first couple of hours of the first Test match against South Africa, it was the ‘genius’ of AB de Villiers and a ferocious onslaught from South Africa`s fast bowlers that changed the course of the game on the first day.

India started the day like world champions they are according to the Test rankings, but their nearest challengers finished on top, with India staggering at 28 for three at the close, losing skipper Virat Kohli for just five. Earlier, the hosts were bowled out for 286.

It was a remarkable turnaround after South Africa had been reduced to 12 for three by Bhuvneshwar Kumar inside the first half hour.

“They are a quality bowling attack and at that stage I was sitting there wondering how we were going to score a run,” said South African batting coach Dale Benkenstein.

He didn`t have to wonder for long. Led by aggressive half-centuries by De Villiers and captain Faf du Plessis, and some wayward bowling by India enabled South Africa to make a reasonable total on a lively pitch before the South African fast bowlers struck.

Benkenstein praised “the class and genius of AB de Villiers and the tenacity of the captain”.

De Villiers and Du Plessis put on 114 for the fourth wicket. With De Villiers in sparkling form, he hit 65 off 84 balls with 11 fours. He showed intent from the start of his innings, hitting four fours off Kumar`s fifth over.

“That one over from AB changed the game,” said Benkenstein. “He made the bowlers worry about their lengths. That partnership got us back in the game and brought belief back in the change room.”

Kumar, who took wickets in each of his first three overs, finished with four for 87 and conceded more than four runs an over as did fellow seamers, new cap Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya.

Only Mohammed Shami was economical, taking one for 47 in 16 overs.

“We gave away 25 or 30 too many runs,” said Kumar, who acknowledged the game-changing ability of De Villiers.

“When AB bats, you know you have to bowl well. In some overs we gave away too many boundaries.”

Kumar said India would have to bat well on Saturday but felt the match was evenly poised.

Benkenstein, though, said South Africa were “very happy” after their four-man pace attack was unleashed for the last 51 minutes of play.

-With AFP inputs