Is South Africa the world's No 1 Test team?

A South African commentator, who spoke to this correspondent during the tea interval, said that the hosts should rightfully be the No 1 Test team in the world and not India.

"They (SA) reckon they have the number of Sachin, Rahul and Dhoni. The only batsman they fear is Sehwag.u00a0 Also, there is a genuine feeling that we deserve to be No 1. Not many teams have done as well in India as we have over the last few years, and if we win this series, which I think we would, we should rightfully be the No 1 Test side," said the former SA Test cricketer, who did not wish to be named.

Undercover reporter! Former SA cricketer-turned-commentator Mike Haysman does the pitch report from inside a tent covering the wicket at SuperSport Park in Centurion yesterday. Pic/Getty Images

'One session could decide this series'
Stepping out for a cigarette, former England all-rounder Robin Jackman shared some interesting thoughts with this correspondent. Asked to predict the outcome of the series, Jackman said: "Both are very good sides. I've seen a lot of Indian teams come to South Africa and this is clearly the best they have to offer. One look at their batting order must frighten any bowling attack. I get the feeling this series will be decided by one session. It could easily go either way."

During England's 1980-81 tour of West Indies, the Guyanese government revoked Jackman's visa due to his links with the then apartheid South Africa. England didn't travel to Guyana and the second Test, to be held there, was cancelled. "That was a long time ago, mate," recalled Jackman, before adding: "Africa is a unified country now with beautiful people."

Hostility replaces hospitality on Day One
All the talk about South Africa welcoming India with open arms was thrown out of the window as the last session kicked into high gear.

Both Dale Steyn and Lonawo Tsotsobe started to heavily sledge Harbhajan Singh, who was later booed out of the ground after his dismissal, thanks to a wonderful piece of fielding by Mark Boucher. A cameraman later told this correspondent, "Enjoyed the first day? This is only the beginning. Steyn and Morkel are going to knock your blocks off."

Here's hoping India respond with similar aggression today.

Three cheers for the groundsmen
While all of South Africa must be thanking its fast bowling duo of Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel for India's massacre, a round of applause must go to the ground staff at the SuperSport Park, who worked overtime to get rid of the excess water on the ground.u00a0

The waterlogged field was declared ready for play by the umpires only around 1430 hrs local time.