Durban: India lost both the openers to a ferocious fast bowling spell by Dale Steyn before reaching 74 for two at lunch on the opening day of the second cricket Test against South Africa at Kingsmead here today.
Host skipper Graeme Smith put India in to bat in overcast conditions after calling the coin right following a one hour delay due to a wet outfield.
India lost Virender Sehwag (25) and Murali Vijay (19) as a testing spell by Steyn and Morne Morkel started the action in the second Test.
Steyn took both the wickets to give his side a fantastic start in the match.
Milestone man Sachin Tendulkar (13) and the ever dependable Rahul Dravid (14) were at the crease when lunch break was taken at the Sahara Stadium.
Batting was not easy early on due to the pace and bounce the bowlers were getting from the strip. Indian openers survived the first 10 overs but Steyn ended their uncomfortable stay in a span of 14 balls.
Sehwag was the first to go when he slashed hard but only managed a thick edge to Jacques Kallis at the second slip. The flamboyant batsman had somewhat settled on the track after struggling initially but threw away his wicket.
Vijay, who replaced the injured Gautam Gambhir, was caught behind as Steyn struck again.
Tendulkar and Dravid though batted confidently and ensured India did not suffer any other setback.
Tendulkar survived a big appeal for leg before off the last ball before lunch by Morkel after hitting the paceman for two consecutive boundaries.