Gautam Gambhir batted with ample maturity to give selectors a reliable option for the team's opening slot as India played Kwazulu Natal XI at the Crusaders ground in Durban on Friday.
Gambhir was unbeaten at 15 off 36 balls in India's lunch score of 64 for 2, but the way he middled everything, there is no doubt the Delhi left-hander would be up for consideration for the second Test starting at Kingsmead on December 26.
India lost its openers Wasim Jaffer and Virender Sehwag for 49 on the board so in that sense India has not yet seen a light on its top order worries.
Jaffer left early for two and must now consider himself very lucky if he makes it to the second Test.
Sehwag, in contrast, tried to bat with his characteristic freedom and muscled a few hits to the boundary and beyond, despite a very heavy and slow outfield, but his dismissal in the second hour like his partner, caught in first slip, makes him appear under-cooked.
Earlier, the game started an hour and 15 minutes late because of overnight rain but bright sun ensured a fair play in the first session.
{{/usCountry}}Earlier, the game started an hour and 15 minutes late because of overnight rain but bright sun ensured a fair play in the first session.
{{/usCountry}}Indians have decided to field every batsman and every bowler in this game and no formal toss was done before the start of the game.
However, all eyes will be on Gautam Ghambir and Munaf Patel who alone have a reasonable chance of making it to the playing eleven for second Test.