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Dale Piedt cuts through India on day one

Dane Piedt is ecstatic after picking up the wicket of Shikhar Dhawan BCCI

South Africa's off spinner Dane Piedt - playing his first match of the Test series in India - made the most of his opportunity and claimed four wickets to help restrict India to 231 at stumps on the first day of the fourth Test that began in Delhi on Thursday.

India's captain, Virat Kohli, won yet another toss and opted to bat first on a spin-friendly surface. Murali Vijay and Shikhar Dhawan managed to add 30 runs for the first wicket before Vijay edged Piedt to slip.

Dhawan negotiated 130 balls for his gritty 30 before he was trapped on the crease by Piedt and dismissed lbw. When Cheteshwar Pujara fell an over later the hosts stood at 66 for three.

Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane then dropped anchor and began to rebuild India's innings. The duo added 70 runs at more than four an over to lift India from 66 for 3. But Piedt returned and accounted for Kohli, whose firm sweep struck short leg and ricochet to the wicket-keeper, Dane Vilas.

Four-overs later the off spinner was at it again and dismissed Rohit Sharma, whose lofted stroke found Imran Tahir on the long-on boundary. India stood at 138 for five at that stage.

Despite wickets falling at the other end, Rahane continued his impressive display with the bat. He reached 50 off 91 balls. Piedt troubled him as well and nearly dismissed him. However, Hashim Amla dropped him at slip at 78.

Kyle Abbott, who also made his first appearance of the series, claimed three wickets. India managed 231 for seven wickets at stumps on the first day of the Test. Rahane ended the day unbeaten on 89 from 155 balls.